Edited By
Alice Tran

As debates continue over the safety of holding USDT long-term, many people express concerns about issuer reliability, fund freezing, wallet security, and smart contract risks. Recent conversations reveal a mix of confidence and skepticism surrounding Tether.
The fallout from crypto's past failures keeps many weighing the real-world risks of holding a significant amount of USDT. Key concerns include:
Issuer Impact: People worry about the possibility of the issuer freezing funds.
Account Restrictions: Exchange account freezes add another layer of potential losses.
Self-Custody Risks: Wallet security remains a hot topic, especially for those managing their own funds.
Smart Contract Vulnerabilities: Different blockchains come with individual risks, leading to confusion among holdouts.
Thereโs a strong possibility that we will see an increased push for regulatory clarity around stablecoins like USDT in the coming months. Analysts suggest a 60% chance that the U.S. government will introduce new legislation addressing issuer transparency and consumer protections. This could lead to more robust frameworks which, if implemented, may decrease the fears surrounding issuer reliability and fund freezing. Additionally, as security measures improve, the self-custody risks tied to wallets might become less daunting, resulting in a greater public confidence in holding assets like USDT.
Looking back, the early 2000s tech boom provides an interesting parallel. At that time, internet stocks surged despite warnings of unsustainable business models and security vulnerabilities. Similar to USDT's current situation, many investors faced denials and skepticism over the technologyโs reliability. When the dust settled, dynamic changes in policy and consumer behavior reshaped the landscape, leading to more secure, trustworthy platforms. This history suggests that regardless of current uncertainties, progress often emerges from crises, and the crypto space could similarly evolve, leading to safer practices and improved trust among holders.