- Tether invests $8 million in the payments company, Speed.
- The stablecoin giant is now utilizing the Bitcoin Lightning Network to expand USDT’s utility.
- Speed utilizes the Bitcoin Lightning Network and stablecoins for instant payments.
The use of blockchain technology in payments is increasingly being acknowledged in the modern world. The growing significance of digital payments has resulted in yet another major development- Tether’s massive investment in the payments infrastructure company, Speed.
Interestingly, stablecoin giant Tether has announced a staggering $8 million investment in Speed, a payments platform that leverages the Bitcoin Lightning Network and stablecoins for instant, global settlements. With over $1.5 billion in annual payment volume and a growing user base of 1.2 million, Speed’s platform is an ideal partner for Tether’s vision of expanding the utility of USDT in real-world payments.
This huge investment, led by Tether and supported by Ego Death Capital, is a testament to the growing significance of digital assets in modern finance. It also highlights the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing global payments.
Tether to Adopt Bitcoin Lightning Network Payments?
On December 16, 2025, Tether, a leading digital asset company, announced its strategic investment of $8 million in Speed, a payments company. With this move, Tether is embracing the potential of the Bitcoin Lightning Network to revolutionize payments and financial infrastructure.
Notably, the investment aims to strengthen the Bitcoin-aligned financial system and expand the utility of USDT in the real-world payment space. Commenting on the development, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino stated in the press release,
“Speed is showing what Lightning can achieve when paired with a stable, liquid digital dollar like USDT. We support teams building practical infrastructure that reduces friction in payments and expands access to reliable settlement rails. Speed’s execution and adoption signal that Bitcoin-rooted networks are ready for mainstream commerce.”
This development comes on the heels of Tether’s recent launch of QVAC Health, an innovative platform that provides users with easy access to their complete health data. This indicates that the stablecoin platform is expanding its reach across multiple industries.
How Speed Combines Lightning Network and Stablecoins
As per the press release, Speed integrated with the Bitcoin Lightning Network, enabling fast and efficient transactions. It also allows for stablecoin settlement at the same time.
This powerful combination helps to reduce the friction and complexity for cross-border transfers, creator payouts, merchant payments, and other transactions. It reportedly provides a stable and reliable experience for users and merchants.
Highlighting Speed’s innovative approach to blockchain-based payments, CEO Niraj Patel noted,
“Crypto has lived in the world of speculation for too long. Speed is making it usable – instantly, globally, and at scale. Lightning gives us speed; stablecoins give us universal access; our infrastructure brings it all together for consumers, creators, and merchants.”
Beyond Stablecoin: Tether’s Strategic Leap into Bitcoin
Interestingly, Tether’s substantial Bitcoin holdings, totalling over 87,296 BTC, valued at about $7.61 billion, have led some experts to speculate that the company is evolving into a BTC-centric entity. This notion is reinforced by Ardoino’s assertion, “We are believers in Bitcoin as the ultimate store of value.”
The launch of Twenty One, a Bitcoin-native company co-founded by Tether and Jack Mallers, a pioneer in the Bitcoin Lightning Network, marks a significant milestone in this journey. Backed by SoftBank and Cantor Equity Partners, Twenty One recently completed its business combination and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol XXI.
This development underscores Tether’s growing commitment to BTC and its potential to drive mainstream adoption. With the Twenty One launch and Speed investment, the stablecoin behemoth is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of Bitcoin.
