Tether’s USDT has faced allegations of being involved in a $2B illegal foreign exchange scheme in China. This news spread after Chinese authorities cracked down on an underground banking operation involving online gambling and illegal cross-border transactions. The company used USDT to launder the proceeds and thus enabled them to bypass regulations.
The ramifications for Tether and USDT are yet to be fully understood. However, this event could potentially spark regulatory scrutiny internationally, especially in countries where crypto regulations are lax or non-existent. Given Tether’s polarizing position within the cryptocurrency community, with many questioning its transparency and the validity of its claims to be fully backed by the US dollar, a regulatory crackdown could prove damaging.
In relation to a potential regulatory crackdown, it will depend on various factors. These include how influential Tether (and by extension, USDT) is deemed in the grand scheme of illegal financial activities, the political will for stern action on cryptocurrencies in general, and the existing regulatory environment in pertinent locations. Therefore, while it’s possible that this could trigger stricter regulations, it is not a certainty.
As a user or investor, it’s important to keep up-to-date about such developments regarding Tether and other cryptocurrencies as they could significantly impact the value, use cases, and general perception of the involved currencies.
Please remember that these comments are not financial advice. It’s important to make informed decisions based on your independent research and to engage professional financial advice as needed.