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Tether Moves Billions Into Bitcoin as Crypto Whale Grows Larger

Published Apr 17, 2026
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Summary:
  • Tether holds 97,141 BTC worth $7.16 billion after adding $70 million in reserves.
  • The company allocates up to 15% of quarterly profits toward Bitcoin purchases.
  • If public, Tether would rank second globally in Bitcoin ownership behind MicroStrategy's 780,897 BTC.

Tether, the stablecoin giant, added $70 million worth of Bitcoin to reserves in April 2026, signaling confidence that digital assets will appreciate over time as the company moved 951 Bitcoin in a single transaction on April 14. This decision shows how stablecoin companies can do more than sit on cash, dedicating up to 15% of operating profits toward crypto accumulation.

The Strategy Behind the Purchase

Tether announced back in 2023 that it would allocate 15% of operating profits toward Bitcoin accumulation, meaning purchases happen automatically as profits grow. Blockchain data from Arkham Intelligence confirmed the April 14 withdrawal from Bitfinex, verifying holdings on the public ledger as major financial institutions now treat Bitcoin differently than five years ago.

Ranking Among Global Bitcoin Holders

If Tether were a publicly traded company, it would rank second in global Bitcoin ownership, trailing only MicroStrategy's 780,897 BTC hoard. This puts a private company's crypto treasury on par with the world's largest institutional reserves, showing how institutions now view digital assets as companies dedicate profits to these assets.

Why This Matters

The purchase demonstrates institutional adoption momentum accelerating across traditional finance as regulatory approval for crypto custody removed roadblocks. Tether's move follows similar strategies from MicroStrategy and other institutional holders seeking to diversify beyond traditional cash, with this shift moving from whisper campaigns to boardroom decisions in just months.

What to Watch

Tether's Bitcoin purchases show the company expects crypto to remain central to finance long term rather than fade away as some regulators worry, signaling institutional confidence in digital asset infrastructure staying power.

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