Featured categories

Quick Links

US Consumer Protection Agency Issues Warning on Unaudited Tether: Could Tether Be the Next FTX?

Consumers’ Research Raises Concerns Over Tether’s Lack of Audit, Potential Risks

The non-profit organization Consumers’ Research recently issued a warning regarding Tether, the stablecoin issuer, highlighting the absence of a financial audit and its resemblance to the situation before the collapse of FTX. Despite Tether’s claims that its USDT is pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio, the lack of third-party verification of the assets backing USDT poses significant risks to consumers.

The Difference Between Audit and Attestation

Consumers’ Research emphasized the distinction between audit and attestation, stating that while audits provide the highest level of endorsement due to their comprehensive scope and thorough procedures, Tether’s failure to undergo a proper audit raises red flags.

State Attorneys General Highlight Cryptocurrency Scams and Fraud Risks

In a report released by Consumers’ Research, concerns were raised over the potential for cryptocurrency scams and fraud, citing a 45% increase in such incidents over the past year. State attorneys general underscored the need to protect citizens from potential crypto scams, urging state governments to enforce consumer protection laws.

Tether’s Ongoing Challenges and Regulatory Scrutiny

In addition to the lack of audit, Tether’s close ties to illicit activities have come under scrutiny, raising questions about the company’s risk management capabilities. Investigations by US and UK authorities into Tether’s $200 billion transactions on the Russian crypto exchange Garantex have further compounded regulatory concerns.

Tron Allegations and Continued Controversies

The report also mentioned allegations against blockchain company Tron and its founder for involvement in illicit activities, with Tron being flagged as a preferred platform for terrorist financing. Despite these allegations, Tether continues to operate on the Tron platform, fueling further controversies.

Global Efforts to Combat Financial Crimes

In a bid to address concerns over criminal activities, Tether introduced the T3 FCU alliance. However, collaboration between Tether and the Telegram blockchain Ton may raise additional concerns due to Telegram’s association with criminal activities such as drug trafficking and terrorism financing.

International Concerns and Calls for Consumer Protection

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime highlighted the link between USDT and underground gambling, money laundering, and transnational crime activities in East and Southeast Asia. With Tether’s involvement in evading international sanctions for countries like Russia and North Korea, Consumers’ Research stressed the importance of providing consumers with necessary information to make informed decisions and protect them from financial harm.

Conclusion

As Tether continues to face scrutiny and regulatory challenges, it is imperative for state governments to monitor its operations and take appropriate actions to safeguard consumers from potential financial losses. By learning from past incidents involving FTX and Celsius, regulators can better protect investors and maintain transparency in the cryptocurrency space.

RELATED ARTICLE

Recommended Readings by Crypto Pie

Featured categories

Quick Links