Tether, the issuer of the USDT stablecoin, disclosed that it now holds about 150,000 Bitcoin, a reserve valued at over $11.5 billion. The information was provided by CEO Paolo Ardoino during his keynote at the Plan ₿ Forum in Lugano on November 3, 2026.
Growth in Bitcoin Reserves
Earlier disclosures in 2026 placed Tether’s Bitcoin holdings between 96,000 and 100,000 BTC. The increase to roughly 150,000 BTC represents an addition of tens of thousands of coins within a single calendar year.
Tether’s third‑quarter 2026 attestation valued the Bitcoin reserves at $8.37 billion as of September 30, up from an estimated $5.8 billion at the end of the second quarter.
Acquisition Policy
Since May 2023, Tether has allocated up to 15 % of its quarterly net profits to purchase Bitcoin. Notable purchases include an acquisition of 8,888 BTC on December 31, 2025, valued at approximately $780 million at that time.
Overall Reserve Composition
Bitcoin constitutes a portion of Tether’s overall reserves. The company’s Q3 2026 attestation reports about $132.4 billion in U.S. Treasury securities, including repurchase agreements, and excess reserves of $7.95 billion, nearly double the amount reported in the prior quarter.
Implications
The sizable Bitcoin position adds volatility exposure, but the profit‑based purchase program and the excess reserve buffer are intended to limit impact on the stablecoin’s peg. Tether’s global user base exceeds 730 million, with roughly 30 million new wallets added each quarter.
