Tether, the issuer behind the world’s largest stablecoin USDT and now a shareholder in Juventus Football Club, has added another headline-grabbing chapter to its story—its own gold vault in Switzerland.

The El Salvador-based crypto company has confirmed it holds nearly 80 tons of gold, with an estimated value close to $8 billion, or over €6.8 billion based on current exchange rates.

While most crypto firms park their assets in digital wallets or external vaults, Tether chose a different path. It built its own. CEO Paolo Ardoino believes the facility, located somewhere in Switzerland, is “the most secure vault in the world,” though its exact whereabouts remain undisclosed for security reasons. This move makes Tether one of the largest non-sovereign gold holders globally, rivaling institutions like UBS in sheer value.

The vault decision wasn’t just about security—it was strategic. Ardoino noted that avoiding third-party custodians could help the company save significant fees, especially if XAUT, its gold-backed token, hits massive adoption. “At $100 billion in market cap, even 0.5% custody fees are huge. A vault of our own makes more sense,” he explained.

Crypto Partners With Gold to Form A Safety Net Against Volatility and Debt Concerns

For Tether, this isn’t just a flashy headline. It’s a calculated response to growing global concerns. With US debt levels rising and confidence in fiat currencies showing cracks, gold’s role as a safe haven asset is making a strong comeback. In 2025 alone, gold has surged roughly 25%, thanks in part to strong demand from central banks and rising geopolitical tensions.

By diversifying into precious metals, Tether isn’t just reinforcing the value behind its reserves—it’s taking a clear stance on long-term asset security. Ardoino was candid: “Gold is logically a safer asset than any national currency.” That kind of thinking aligns closely with Tether’s broader mission—offering stable, reliable value in an often turbulent financial landscape.

This growing gold stockpile now represents about 5% of Tether’s total reserves, according to its March report. And while gold might seem old-school for a crypto-native company, its function here is very modern. It builds credibility, especially as Tether expands its footprint beyond tokens—into sports ownership, sovereign partnerships, and global infrastructure.

Juventus Connection and Tether’s Expanding Influence

Just months before news of the gold vault surfaced, Tether made headlines by increasing its stake in Juventus, bringing its ownership to 10.7%. This investment bridges two worlds—sports and digital assets—creating fresh momentum around fan token ecosystems and crypto’s role in entertainment and lifestyle sectors.

Owning a share of a globally recognized club like Juventus strengthens Tether’s position in mainstream markets. But combined with its gold reserve news, it signals a deeper ambition: becoming a major player not just in crypto, but in global finance.

For Fan Token holders and blockchain sports enthusiasts, this is a positive signal. Companies like Tether, backing token ecosystems and sporting ventures, add weight to the belief that crypto-backed products—like matchday tickets or merchandise redemptions—can rely on real-world value. Gold in the vault isn’t just security for Tether, it’s reassurance for the growing Web3 fan community.