Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, announced a $100 million strategic equity investment in Anchorage Digital on Thursday, signaling a deepened commitment to regulated U.S. digital asset infrastructure. The investment values Anchorage Digital—the first federally chartered digital asset bank in the United States – at $4.2 billion. The move comes as Tether pivots toward a more compliant posture in the wake of the GENIUS Act, the landmark stablecoin legislation signed into law last summer.
While the investment is primarily financial, both firms framed the deal as a “strategic alignment” aimed at scaling digital assets within established legal frameworks. Tether has recently focused on transparency and institutional oversight, a shift underscored by its partnership with Anchorage to issue USA₮, a “Made in America” stablecoin designed specifically for the new federal regulatory regime.
“Tether exists to challenge the status quo and build global infrastructure for freedom,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. He noted that the investment reflects a shared belief in secure, resilient financial systems.
Nathan McCauley, co-founder and CEO of Anchorage Digital, stated that the capital infusion validates years of effort in building regulated rails. “This adds momentum as we continue developing services for stablecoin issuance and broader market adoption,” McCauley said.
In a notable departure from typical high-growth funding rounds, Anchorage Digital confirmed it is using this moment to launch its first-ever employee tender offer. This allows long-tenured staff to sell a portion of their equity at the new $4.2 billion valuation.
The company stated it “prioritized employee liquidity over raising additional primary capital,” suggesting a strong balance sheet and a desire to reward the team that navigated the firm through several years of market volatility.
