Tether, the popular stablecoin issuer, has recently found itself in the midst of a controversy involving Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and the US government. The dispute began when Garlinghouse made comments on The World Class podcast, stating that he believed the US government was “going after” Tether. This prompted Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino to take to social media to challenge Garlinghouse’s remarks.
Ardoino accused Garlinghouse of spreading fear about Tether with ulterior motives, pointing out that Ripple is set to launch its own stablecoin offering in July, which will directly compete with Tether. This exchange highlights the growing tension between the two companies in the digital asset market.
The backdrop of this conflict is the uncertain regulatory environment in the US, particularly with regards to digital assets. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a regulation-by-enforcement approach, leading to numerous lawsuits and a lack of clear standards. Ripple itself has been embroiled in a legal battle with the SEC since 2020, with its native token XRP still under scrutiny.
In response to Garlinghouse’s comments, Ardoino defended Tether’s safety measures and regulatory compliance. He emphasized Tether’s collaboration with law enforcement agencies across multiple countries to ensure the security of its ecosystem. This statement underscores Tether’s commitment to operating within regulatory guidelines despite the challenges posed by the regulatory landscape.
The ongoing disagreement between Tether and Ripple reflects the broader uncertainty facing digital asset companies in the US. As both companies navigate regulatory challenges and competition within the market, the next few months will be crucial in determining the outcome of this dispute. Ultimately, the resolution of this conflict will have implications for the future of stablecoins and digital assets in the US market.