Tether Expands into AI with New Applications and Open-Source SDK Platform

Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, is stepping into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) with the development of several AI applications, according to a February 4 announcement from CEO Paolo Ardoino. The company’s new AI division, Tether Data, is working on a variety of tools aimed at enhancing user experience while focusing on privacy and security.

Among the AI applications in development are AI Translate, AI Voice Assistant, and the AI Bitcoin Wallet Assistant. These tools are designed to work locally on any device, ensuring that users can maintain full privacy and self-custody over both data and digital assets. Ardoino emphasized that Tether’s AI applications will be available on a broad range of devices, from mobile phones and laptops to powerful servers and clusters, thanks to the company’s open-source AI software development kit (SDK).

AI-Powered Bitcoin Wallet Assistant

One of the key innovations showcased in the demo is Tether’s AI Bitcoin Wallet Assistant. The demonstration illustrated how users can interact with a chatbot interface to manage their Bitcoin wallets. In the demo, a user queried the assistant about their BTC wallet address and balance. The assistant also helped the user view the address book, before autonomously sending a small amount of BTC to a recipient.

The AI Bitcoin Wallet Assistant is designed to streamline the process of managing digital assets and make cryptocurrency transactions more user-friendly, removing the need for complex manual actions. The entire process, from querying wallet details to executing transactions, was carried out seamlessly by the AI assistant.

Other AI Tools in Development

Tether is also developing AI Translate, an AI-driven translation tool, and an AI Voice Assistant that responds to voice inputs. The goal is to offer a range of applications that cater to diverse needs while ensuring privacy, as all interactions are processed locally on the user's device.

Tether's Expanding AI Operations

Tether’s move into AI isn’t a sudden shift; the firm has been steadily expanding its AI capabilities. In 2023, Tether made headlines when it acquired a stake in European crypto miner Northern Data Group, a company specializing in cloud computing and generative AI. This acquisition highlighted Tether’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI technology.

Additionally, Tether has been actively recruiting top-tier talent in the AI field to further strengthen its position. In March 2024, the company embarked on a global hiring spree, aiming to "push the boundaries of AI technology" and "set new industry standards for innovation and utility."

Tether’s AI Platform Launch

Looking ahead, Tether is preparing to launch its own AI platform by the end of Q1 2025. Ardoino mentioned in December 2024 that the draft for the platform’s website had been completed, signaling that the firm is on track to unveil its ambitious AI endeavors in the near future.

Strong Financial Performance and Future Outlook

Tether’s move into AI comes at a time of strong financial performance. On January 31, the firm announced record-breaking profits of $13 billion in 2024, underscoring its growing financial strength. As part of its ongoing strategy, Tether also revealed an expanded portfolio of US government bonds, now valued at approximately $113 billion.

The company’s stablecoin, USDT, remains the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, with a new all-time high of $141 billion, following the issuance of an additional $1 billion on February 5, 2025.

Conclusion

Tether’s foray into artificial intelligence is a strategic move aimed at further diversifying its business and expanding its role in the digital asset ecosystem. By combining AI with its established expertise in stablecoins and blockchain technology, Tether is positioning itself as a key player in both the crypto and AI spaces. With an open-source SDK platform, innovative AI applications, and a global recruitment push, Tether is set to make significant strides in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.