Day: April 15, 2025

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The idea of a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve is gaining traction inside Donald Trump’s digital assets advisory council, with a controversial funding method on the table—tariffs. Bo Hines, executive director of the newly formed council, floated the proposal during a recent interview with crypto podcaster Anthony Pompliano. His remarks suggest that the White House may be seeking creative ways to amass Bitcoin without tapping into taxpayer dollars.

Tariffs as a Crypto-Funding Tool

“We’re looking at many creative ways—whether it be from tariffs, whether it be from something else,” Hines said. His comments came in response to questions about how the United States could afford to buy Bitcoin at scale.

Hines also emphasized the goal is to “acquire as much as we can get” of the world’s leading digital asset. However, he was clear that the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve must not become a financial burden on the American public. The idea, according to Hines, is to fund Bitcoin purchases through indirect means, such as tariff revenue, rather than direct public spending.

The Birth of the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve

Donald Trump first unveiled the concept of a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve at the Bitcoin Conference in 2024. The initiative became more formal in early March 2025, when he signed an executive order establishing both the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve and a broader U.S. digital asset stockpile.

At this stage, neither entity has started buying crypto outright. Instead, the focus has been on consolidating digital assets already seized by U.S. law enforcement and laying the groundwork for potential future acquisitions.

While the initial rollout appeared mostly symbolic, Hines’ comments suggest a more proactive phase could soon begin. The former president’s team is now exploring ways to grow these reserves through state-led purchases—financed creatively.

Political and Economic Ramifications

The mention of tariffs as a funding mechanism comes amid a volatile period for global trade and markets. Trump’s fluctuating tariff regime has caused market uncertainty, especially in industries reliant on imported goods. Tariffs on basic items, such as clothing, could drive prices up by as much as 45%, according to NPR.

This strategy could serve a dual purpose: penalizing foreign exporters while funneling the proceeds into Bitcoin acquisitions. However, it raises questions about how such policies would affect U.S. consumers and trade relations globally.

John Nahas, vice president of business development at Ava Labs, highlighted the ongoing tension: “The irony is you went from complete regulatory uncertainty to regulatory certainty. But now there’s general market and geopolitical uncertainty.”

A Broader Digital Asset Strategy

The idea of a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve also signals a wider pivot in U.S. policy toward digital assets. While the Biden administration was known for its cautious regulatory stance, the Trump team is embracing a more assertive and strategic approach.

Under this model, the U.S. government could become an active player in the crypto space, not just a regulator. By investing in Bitcoin, the Trump administration would signal that it sees digital assets not merely as financial instruments, but as strategic economic assets—similar to gold or foreign currency reserves.

Such a move could have ripple effects across markets. Companies like Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN), MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:MSTR), and even global financial players like Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), which previously held Bitcoin on their balance sheets, may find new relevance if a national Bitcoin reserve becomes reality.

Final Thoughts

The notion of funding a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve through tariffs may sound unconventional, but it aligns with Trump’s broader political style—bold, nationalistic, and disruptive. Whether the plan moves forward depends on political will and economic feasibility. But one thing is clear: the United States is seriously exploring how digital assets can play a role in its financial and geopolitical strategy.

With Trump’s team openly seeking ways to build crypto reserves without dipping into taxpayer funds, the era of state-backed Bitcoin accumulation may be just beginning.

Featured Image:  Freepik © starline

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This post was originally published on this site

Tether, the issuer of the world’s most popular stablecoin USDT, has made another big move—this time in the crypto payments app space. The company recently announced an investment in Hong Kong-based startup Fizen, a self-described “super app” that enables users to perform everyday transactions using cryptocurrencies. This marks Tether’s third major investment in 2025, reflecting its growing appetite for strategic bets in digital finance.

Fizen: A Super App for Crypto Utility

Fizen aims to simplify how consumers interact with cryptocurrencies. Rather than focusing on speculative trading, the crypto payments app allows users to pay for daily needs like mobile phone top-ups and movie tickets using crypto. The platform is designed to run seamlessly in the background, making it so intuitive that users may not even realize they are interacting with blockchain technology.

Leo Vu, CEO and founder of Fizen, said in a statement, “The technology infrastructure is already in place. We lack consumer-friendly applications.” Fizen’s goal is to bridge that gap—bringing crypto into the real world, without the technical friction.

Tether’s Strategic Shift Toward Practical Crypto Solutions

Tether’s investment strategy has taken a clear turn toward practical, utility-driven ventures. While the firm made headlines earlier this year for unconventional moves—like its acquisition of a stake in Italian football club Juventus (BIT:JUVE) and a $385 million bid for a South American farming company—its latest decision re-aligns with its crypto roots.

In March, Tether also took a 30% stake in media firm Be Water, further diversifying its holdings. But with Fizen, the focus is squarely back on crypto payments apps, signaling a renewed interest in supporting technologies that drive real-world blockchain adoption.

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, stated, “Our investment in Fizen underscores our commitment to expanding global access to efficient and reliable digital financial solutions.”

Stablecoin Powerhouse

As the issuer of USDT, Tether dominates the stablecoin market, with $145 billion in circulation. That’s roughly 62% of the total market share. With reserves that generated $13 billion in profits in 2024 alone, the company has significant firepower for further expansion.

These profits are now being redirected into strategic ventures that align with Tether’s long-term vision: mass adoption of crypto in everyday life. The crypto payments app space, with its focus on functionality and ease of use, is a natural fit.

Fizen’s Backers and Business Model

Other investors in Fizen include blockchain development firm Sotatek, software company VNext, and layer-1 blockchain platform Viction (formerly TomoChain). Fizen’s previous funding came from token sales, although it is unclear whether Tether’s stake was in the form of equity, tokens, or a hybrid deal.

The entry of Tether into this investor pool adds credibility and financial muscle to Fizen’s expansion plans. The startup now has a powerful partner capable of accelerating its product development and market reach.

The Rise of Crypto Payment Infrastructure

Tether’s move comes amid a broader trend in financial technology. Earlier this year, U.S.-based crypto exchange Kraken launched Kraken Pay, a service offering payments in both crypto and fiat. UK fintech giant Revolut introduced a crypto payments card in 2024, and companies like Galaxy Ventures have predicted that payment infrastructure will become one of crypto’s most important battlegrounds.

As digital assets mature, the emphasis is shifting from trading and speculation to practical, everyday utility. The crypto payments app model embodies this transformation.

Final Thoughts

Tether’s investment in Fizen illustrates a growing focus on bringing crypto into mainstream use through seamless and practical applications. With strategic capital behind it and a rapidly evolving sector ahead, Fizen could become a leading name in how consumers interact with digital money—without even knowing they’re using crypto.

As more fintech and blockchain firms follow suit, expect the line between traditional and digital finance to blur even further.

Featured Image:  Freepik © ruslan_ivantsov

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