Paolo Ardoino: USDT Reaches 188 Billion Dollars with 550 Million Users in Developing Countries

Bittime - Market capitalization USDT The cryptocurrency has now reached US$189.83 billion, according to on-chain data released by the Layergg analytics account and confirmed by Paolo Ardoino. This figure surpasses the previous record of US$187.3 billion set at the end of 2025.

This achievement occurred as the global stablecoin market peaked at US$315 billion. USDT alone controls nearly 60 percent of the total stablecoin market, widening the gap with its closest competitor, Circle's USDC, which is valued at around US$78 billion.

Key Takeaways

• USDT market cap hits record high of 189.83 billion US dollars

• Paolo Ardoino announced that 550 million USDT users come from developing countries such as Argentina.

• Stablecoin growth in 2026 will be dominated by USDT with a market share of almost 60 percent.

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Paolo Ardoino and 550 Million USDT Users in Developing Countries

Paolo Ardoino revealed that over 550 million people in developing countries rely on USDT for payments and savings. Most users come from Argentina, Brazil, Nigeria, Turkey, and Vietnam.

In Argentina, triple-digit inflation has eroded the value of the peso. People are turning to USDT as a hedge. More than 1.4 billion adults are unbanked.

USDT allows them to store value in digital dollars with just a mobile phone and internet.

Cross-border transfer fees typically range from 5 to 10 percent of the transfer value. USDT offers near-zero fees with transfer times of less than a minute.

Read also:The Difference Between USDT and USD in the Crypto World

USDT Dominance in the Crypto Market

USDT's dominance in the crypto market is solidifying. USDT is the third-largest crypto asset by market capitalization, second only to Bitcoin And Ethereum.

Factors supporting USDT dominance:

1.superior liquidity

USDT has the highest daily trading volume among all crypto assets.

2. multi-chain reach

USDT is available on over 15 blockchains including Ethereum, Solana, Tron, and BNB Chain.

3. increased transparency

Tether partners with KPMG for audits and regularly publishes reserve reports.

4. advantages as a pioneer

USDT was launched in 2014 and became the first stablecoin to achieve major success.

Stablecoin Growth 2026

In its latest financial report, Tether recorded total assets of over US$187 billion, 2025 profit of over US$10 billion, net equity of US$6.3 billion, and a stablecoin market share of around 60 percent.

Although there was a US$1.5 billion decrease in supply in February 2026 due to capital rotation, Ardoino emphasized that it was a tactical move, not a structural shift.

Read also:How to Save USDT and Get High Interest? Try Bittime?

Equitable Distribution of Ownership

Ardoino highlighted that the distribution of USDT holdings is relatively even. The largest sending account accounts for less than 5 percent of total USDT transfers. In comparison, some competing stablecoins are concentrated, with a single account accounting for nearly 25 percent of transfers.

Conclusion

USDT's record market capitalization of US$189.83 billion isn't just a number. It represents a fundamental shift in how people in developing countries access, store, and transfer value.

Paolo Ardoino calls USDT a digital dollar for the masses. With 550 million users in developing countries, USDT has become an alternative financial infrastructure that's hard to ignore.

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FAQ

What is the current market cap of USDT?

USDT's market capitalization reached a record high of US$189.83 billion, making it the third-largest crypto asset after Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Who is the CEO of Tether?

Tether's CEO is Paolo Ardoino. He regularly announces USDT achievements through social media platforms.

In which countries is USDT most widely used?

USDT is very popular in developing countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Nigeria, Türkiye, and Vietnam as an inflation hedge and means of payment.

How many USDT users are there in developing countries?

Paolo Ardoino said that more than 550 million people in developing countries rely on USDT for everyday payments and savings.

What are the advantages of USDT over other stablecoins?

USDT excels in liquidity, multi-chain reach across over 15 blockchains, and its position as a pioneering stablecoin since 2014.