Tether plans an AI-powered mobile crypto wallet using WDK and QVAC, focusing on self-custody, privacy, and on-chain automation.
Tether is expanding its product roadmap with plans for an AI-powered mobile crypto wallet. The update was posted by CEO Paolo Ardoino on a public post. Rather than marketing hype, the announcement focused on the development of engineering and infrastructure. Consequently, the move is a more profound move into utility-driven crypto tools.
Tether Begins Development of AI-Driven Mobile Wallet
Paolo Ardoino confirmed that Tether is hiring for a Lead Software Engineer to lead the development of the wallet. The wallet will support the functionality for cryptocurrency in addition to artificial intelligence functionalities. According to the post, the wallet will be WDK and QVAC. Later on, Ardoino provided an internal screenshot of a new wallet creation interface.
Tether is hiring a Lead software engineer for our mobile Crypto (and AI powered) wallets.
Wallet tech will be powered by WDK and QVAC.
Apply here 👇https://t.co/RdcsIdWbXN
— Paolo Ardoino 🤖 (@paoloardoino) December 20, 2025
Tether said the wallet technology is based on WDK, which was introduced in November 2024. WDK allows developers to create 100% self-custodial wallets. Therefore, users have sole control over the private keys and assets. This design eliminates custodial risks and is in accordance with principles of decentralization.
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Unlike traditional cloud-based AI tools, Tether AI will be processed on a P2P network. The runtime is also completely open source and does not have centralized API dependencies. As a result, single control points in the system are being removed. That way, the privacy of the user, censorship resistance, and security guarantees are increased.
There are also native on-chain payments integrated into the wallet. Users can transfer USDT and Bitcoin directly on AI-enabled applications. Autonomous AI agents could be used to manage transactions without the need for intermediaries. As a result, payments, automation, and account management are brought together under one unified interface.
Tether’s AI division is called Tether Data, which is currently developing a number of applications. Some of these are AI Translate tool and AI Voice Assistant. Additionally, an AI Bitcoin Wallet Assistant is currently being worked on. This assistant can show balances and perform transactions by voice or text commands.
Product Timeline Highlights Broader AI and Wallet Strategy
The development roadmap puts a focus on direct user control and automation. By applying AI to self-custody, Tether hopes to make it easier to use the blockchain. However, all transactions are still on-chain and user-authorized. Therefore, the role of automation in relation to ownership and consent mechanisms is not replaced.
Tether announced wider plans for an AI platform with a target launch window in 2025. The mobile wallet is a fundamental part of this ecosystem. Accordingly, the company is building up its engineering team to speed up development. Hiring is a sign of active execution and not exploratory research.
Industry observers point out that integration of AI brings an element of both opportunity and complexity. Automation may decrease the friction for the mainstream user. However, security and transparency are still really important factors. Tether’s open source and self-custodial approach is a response to some of the long-standing concerns.
The peer-to-peer AI architecture of the wallet prevents the need for centralized servers. This structure minimises risks of data exposure. Moreover, it is in line with Tether’s overall decentralization messaging. However, technical execution and end-user experience will impact adoption results.
Tether is still one of the biggest issuers of stablecoins in the world. USDT still leads in stablecoin transaction volume on multiple blockchains. Therefore, wallet integration could significantly broaden the usage in the physical world. Embedded AI tools may further differentiate the product in the competition.
In summary, Tether’s AI-powered mobile wallet is indicative of a move towards integrated and user-controlled experiences with crypto. By mixing automated capabilities of AI, self-custody, and on-chain payments, the company aims at practical adoption. The success of the project will rely on execution, security, and long-term ecosystem development.