https://bitcoinmagazine.com/articles/tether-updates-website-says-usdt-backed-by-reserves-not-just-cash/As you may or may not have noticed Tether updated their terms in the last 24 hours. It's gone from the never proven 1-1 dollar backing to - “100% backed by [its] reserves.” It clarifies this vague language, even legalistic language, by saying these reserves “include traditional currency and cash equivalents and, from time to time, may include other assets and receivables from loans made by Tether to third parties, which may include affiliated entities.”
beyond the obvious signs of fractional reserve ("receivables" acting as "reserves"), i'm guessing they are really feeling the heat from banks. it sounds like they're selling their dollars for other currencies and stores of value, probably in an effort to stay two steps ahead of regulators/law enforcement and keep their money hidden. it's almost like russia liquidating their USD to other currencies because of the sanctions.
I can't say I'm massively surprised. I am massively disappointed by how big USDT has remained. After all this time there should be a less crappy alternative. It would be healthy to see some sort of resolution before another bull run. I don't believe it's the fully empty horror show some obsessives think it is. I would still prefer it to bugger off and die.
the whole situation is obviously pretty tenuous. but i've got some love for these guys, shady as they are. tether is one of the only ways left to hedge USD value without giving up your KYC or getting your money frozen. bitfinex/tether are now like BTC-E was years ago---one of the only places left that's willing to give the USA government the middle finger.