Tether plans to raise $20 billion with a valuation of $500 billion! The chairman's wealth may exceed that of Buffett.

On September 24, 2025, according to Bloomberg, Tether Holdings plans to raise $15-20 billion by selling about 3% of its equity through a private sale, valuing the company at $500 billion, comparable to giants like OpenAI and SpaceX. Bloomberg's Billionaires Index calculates that if the deal goes through, Chairman Giancarlo Devasini's wealth will reach $224 billion, ranking fifth in the world, only behind Elon Musk and three others; CEO Paolo Ardoino and former Jean-Louis van der Velde will each have about $95 billion, and Stuart Hoegner over $60 billion. This transaction will result in all four Tether shareholders being worth more than CZ's $52 billion, highlighting the explosive potential of the stablecoin industry, but Cantor Fitzgerald, as an advisor, holding 5% of the shares may receive a return of $25 billion, and early negotiation details may change.

Tether's Fundraising Ambition: A $500 Billion Valuation Reshaping the Crypto Landscape

Tether Holdings is seeking to raise $15–20 billion at a valuation of $500 billion by selling approximately 3% equity through a private sale, which could position it among the world's most valuable private companies, alongside OpenAI and SpaceX. Based in El Salvador, Tether is the largest stablecoin issuer in the world, with a market cap of $172 billion for its USDT, accounting for over 56% of the market. CEO Paolo Ardoino confirmed on X that they are evaluating financing from high-profile investors for strategic diversification.

Negotiations are in the early stages, and details may be adjusted, but Cantor Fitzgerald, as the chief advisor, has a 5% stake. If the deal goes through, its investment could appreciate by $25 billion. The X platform is abuzz, with @CryptoNews posting: “Tether's $500 billion valuation will reshape the stablecoin landscape, but regulatory scrutiny may intensify.” This fundraising reflects Tether's rise from controversy, with a Q2 profit of $4.9 billion and $7.4 billion in dividends in the first half of the year.

Shareholder wealth skyrockets: Devasini may become the fifth richest person in the world

If Tether's valuation reaches 500 billion USD, the fortunes of four shareholders will soar. According to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index, Chairman Giancarlo Devasini's stake will be worth 224 billion USD, ranking fifth in the world, behind only Elon Musk, Larry Ellison, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, far exceeding Warren Buffett. CEO Paolo Ardoino and former Jean-Louis van der Velde will each have about 95 billion USD, making it into the top 20; the fourth shareholder Stuart Hoegner will exceed 60 billion USD.

All four surpassed CZ's 52 billion dollars, becoming the richest in crypto, while Circle co-founder Jeremy Allaire has only 2.6 billion dollars. In an X post, @BpayNews discusses the view of Multicoin Capital co-founder: “Tether's 500 billion valuation implies a P/E of 77, emerging markets are its strong suit.” This wealth leap highlights the transformation of stablecoins from tools to investment assets, but also raises regulatory concerns.

Tether Profit Machine: Q2 Profit of 4.9 Billion USD with Reserves Exceeding 160 Billion

Tether's USDT market capitalization is 172 billion USD, with profits derived from reserve investment returns, soaring with the growth of circulation and rising interest rates. Q2 profits were 4.9 billion USD, with dividends of 7.4 billion USD in the first half of the year. The latest transparency report shows reserves of 162.5 billion USD exceeding liabilities of 157.1 billion USD, holding 8.9 billion USD in Bitcoin. Cantor Fitzgerald manages the reserves and holds convertible bonds, which could amplify their returns.

The GENIUS Act requires stablecoins to be fully backed and disclosed monthly. Tether undergoes quarterly audits, but its failure to comply with the EU MiCA regulations has led to its exit from the European market. In discussions, @PoliTechRev pointed out: “Tether's valuation of 500 billion may become a systemically important entity, and regulatory pressure will increase.” The fundraising will support AI, energy, and expansion into the US market, diversifying income.

Shareholder Background: From Doctor to Crypto Giant

Giancarlo Devasini, 61 years old, is an Italian doctor who switched to electronic trading after practicing medicine for two years, getting involved in DVDs and memory chips. After investing in a certain CEX in 2012, he became the actual leader and co-founded Tether in 2014 with Phil Potter, Brock Pierce, and Reeve Collins, later buying out the shares of Pierce and Collins.

Paolo Ardoino, 41, an Italian software engineer, joined the CEX after meeting Devasini and became the CEO of Tether at the end of 2023. Jean-Louis van der Velde, 61, a Dutchman, is a co-founder and the current CEO of the CEX, having worked in the Asian electronics industry in his early years. Stuart Hoegner, as the fourth shareholder, focuses on legal and compliance. Forbes estimated Devasini's wealth at $22.4 billion in April, and this deal could double that. X post @YoungBoy_112 stated: “Tether shareholders range from doctors to crypto giants, with a valuation story of $500 billion being legendary.”

Market Outlook: Stablecoin Dominance and Regulatory Challenges

Tether's $500 billion valuation could become a model for generating wealth in crypto, but it will intensify regulatory scrutiny, with regulations like the GENIUS Act and MiCA viewing it as a systemic risk. Fundraising will expand the AI and energy landscape, with USDT circulating over 157.1 billion coins and a profit of $4.9 billion in Q2 2025. The X community is polarized, with @chimezie1195691 predicting a possible IPO, and @Bradicoin10 emphasizing the increasing acceptance of USDT for payments. In contrast to Circle's $30 billion valuation, Tether dominates emerging markets, but transparency concerns may affect transactions.

Conclusion

Tether raised $15–20 billion with a valuation of $500 billion, pushing its shareholders into the ranks of global billionaires, with Devasini potentially surpassing Buffett to become the fifth, highlighting the leap of stablecoins from tools to assets. A profit of $4.9 billion in Q2 and a market cap of $172 billion USDT support the ambition, but regulatory pressure and uncertainties from early negotiations remind caution. In Q4 2025, this deal could reshape the crypto landscape, and investors need to track Cantor Fitzgerald's dynamics and global regulations to capture the wave of stablecoins.

Disclaimer: This article is for news information only and does not constitute any investment advice. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and investors should make decisions cautiously.