Tether, the company behind the world's largest stablecoin, is expanding its presence in artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on privacy-driven applications.
CEO Paolo Ardoino announced on February 4 that Tether is developing AI-powered tools, including an AI translation system, a voice assistant, and a Bitcoin wallet assistant.
Additionally, the company is preparing to launch an open-source software development kit (SDK) platform designed to enhance AI accessibility across various devices.
The AI SDK platform, built on Bare, a JavaScript runtime developed by Holepunch, is designed to run on embedded devices and mobile phones—including lower-end models—laptops, servers, and large-scale clusters. Tether's AI applications are designed to function locally on devices rather than relying on centralized cloud infrastructure.
A demonstration of the AI Bitcoin Wallet Assistant showcased how users could interact with a chatbot to retrieve their Bitcoin wallet address, check balances, and send funds to contacts. The assistant operates autonomously, allowing seamless and secure transactions through AI-driven automation.
Tether's venture into AI aligns with its broader diversification strategy. The company's 2023 investment in Northern Data, a firm specializing in cloud computing and AI infrastructure, signalled its long-term commitment to the sector.
In March 2024, the company ramped up AI-related hiring, recruiting global talent to advance its AI initiatives. Ardoino previously stated that a draft for Tether's AI platform website was completed in December, with a public launch expected by the end of Q1 2025.
Despite its AI push, Tether remains dominant in the stablecoin market, issuing $23 billion USDT in Q4 2024 and $45 billion throughout the year. The company now serves over 400 million users worldwide, primarily in emerging markets, with a total market capitalization exceeding $140 billion.