Tether CEO Says First Movers in Bitcoin Adoption Will Reap Major Benefits

Paolo Ardoino, the CEO of leading stablecoin issuer Tether, emphasized that the greatest rewards will be reserved for those who adopt Bitcoin early.

Speaking in a recent episode of the Blockstream Talk podcast, Ardoino highlighted the transformative power of Bitcoin and the significant advantages awaiting early adopters.

He pointed to El Salvador as a real-world example, noting that the country saw a 30% increase in tourism after embracing Bitcoin. In 2021, the North American country made history by becoming the first country to adopt BTC as a legal tender.

With real adoption taking place globally, Ardoino stressed that Bitcoin advocates are committed to ensuring that BTC succeeds in saving struggling economies.

JUST IN: Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino says countries embracing Bitcoin can “make a huge difference.”

“El Salvador tourism increased 30% just because they supported Bitcoin.” pic.twitter.com/xHQZlh71yk

— Bitcoin Archive (@BTC_Archive) September 26, 2025

Bitcoin Adoption Accelerates

Ardoino’s commentary comes as Bitcoin’s adoption story continues to evolve. Bitcoin adoption, which began with retail investors in its early days, has now evolved into a movement that institutions and governments are embracing.

Institutional involvement first gained momentum in 2020 with MicroStrategy (now Strategy) making its first BTC purchase. Tether also entered the Bitcoin market in October 2022 and has successfully grown its holdings to 100,521 BTC, currently valued at $10.98 billion.

ETFs have joined the trend, accumulating over 1.5 million BTC since 2024. The next phase of adoption is now unfolding at the national level. This trend began with El Salvador recognizing Bitcoin as a legal tender in 2021 and subsequently accumulating 6,331 BTC ever since.

Notably, the U.S. has confirmed plans to establish a strategic reserve that would hold Bitcoin. Other countries are discussing similar initiatives. Some states in the United States have approved state funds that invest specific percentages in BTC.