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Stablecoin Developments: Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) in the First Half of 2023

- Surge in stablecoin exchange supply suggests potential crypto rallies amidst market volatility.
- Approximately 70% of USD Coin (USDC) users are located outside the United States.
During a tumultuous quarter for the cryptocurrency sector, stablecoins have surfaced as significant indicators for potential market upswings, while leading exchange Huobi is under increased scrutiny. The ongoing conflict between regulatory ambiguity and market enthusiasm has kept investors alert.
Traditionally, the transfer of stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) to exchanges has acted as a precursor to crypto rallies. This pattern was evident in recent months, with both USDC and USDT inflows in December and February preceding notable price increases. Additionally, the rise in USDC supply in July has contributed to the upward trend.
USDT and USDC Exchange Supply Chart Source: Santiment
Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle, estimated that around 70% of USDC usage comes from nations outside the U.S. In a tweet on August 8, he emphasized this significant non-U.S. adoption rate, noting its strength in emerging and developing markets across Asia, Latin America (LATAM), and Africa.
Tether (USDT) And USD Coin (USDC) Revisited
Tether Holdings, the organization behind USDT, reported impressive Q2 results, with excess reserves soaring by an astonishing $850 million. This was accompanied by operational earnings surpassing $1 billion from April to June 2023. However, Tether’s failure to report a net profit for Q2, along with a decrease in operating profit compared to the prior quarter, has raised questions.
Conversely, Q3 has unfolded unpredictably, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) casting a significant shadow over the crypto landscape. Tensions heightened as the SEC’s actions sparked concerns and increased uncertainty among investors.
Huobi and Stablecoins
In the midst of ongoing regulatory investigations in China, Huobi, a major cryptocurrency exchange, found itself at the center of controversy. Speculations regarding insolvency and leadership arrests circulated, causing fluctuations in the exchange’s total value-locked (TVL) data.
Nevertheless, a Huobi representative promptly dismissed these allegations as “fake news.” It is important to note that Huobi’s stablecoin reserves, which include Staked USDT (stUSDT), USDC, and other stablecoins, were reported at varying percentages according to data from Nansen and DefiLlama.
As the industry’s turmoil persists, key players continue to play a crucial role. In an unexpected development, Justin Sun, founder of TRON, reportedly withdrew $200 million USDT from JustLend and redirected it to Huobi. This strategic action enhanced Huobi’s reserves to $285 million, adding another layer of complexity to the evolving situation.