Tether, the company behind the world’s largest stablecoin, has announced a significant investment of $1.5 million in Sorted Wallet, a financial technology platform designed to improve accessibility to cryptocurrencies for underserved populations in Africa and South Asia. This initiative aims to foster financial inclusion, allowing individuals with limited access to advanced technology to engage in the digital economy.
Sorted Wallet is tailored for users with low-power mobile devices, ensuring that even those with basic smartphones can manage and utilize cryptocurrencies effectively. By focusing on the unbanked and underbanked, Sorted Wallet seeks to empower individuals in developing regions, providing them with tools for economic participation.
Tether recognizes the pivotal role that cryptocurrencies can play in enhancing financial access, particularly in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is lacking. In Africa, cryptocurrencies have become essential for daily transactions and remittances, while Central and South Asia (CSAO) represent some of the most dynamic cryptocurrency markets globally.
According to Chainalysis's 2024 crypto adoption ranking, India has emerged as a leader, with seven countries from the CSAO region making the top 20 list. This highlights the growing demand for cryptocurrencies as a means of conducting business, transferring funds, and providing a hedge against unstable local currencies.
Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, emphasized the company's commitment to financial inclusion: “This investment underscores Tether’s commitment to promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment in underserved regions. By supporting Sorted Wallet, we are opening new opportunities for participation in the financial system for individuals with basic mobile phones.”
In addition to the recent investment in Sorted Wallet, Tether has also dedicated $3 million to the Kem app, which focuses on enhancing access to financial services in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The introduction of USDT on the Kem platform aims to address economic challenges, particularly in Gulf countries like Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iraq.
With millions of expatriates in these nations, the availability of USDT through the Kem app offers a practical solution against hyperinflation and economic instability. This reflects Tether’s broader strategy of leveraging digital finance to create more connected and inclusive financial landscapes.
Tether's investment in Sorted Wallet and its ongoing initiatives in the MENA region highlight the company's commitment to driving financial inclusion and promoting innovative solutions that meet the needs of underserved populations worldwide. By enabling access to cryptocurrencies, Tether is not only facilitating economic empowerment but also ensuring that individuals, regardless of their location or technology, can participate in the evolving digital economy.
September 2024, Cryptoniteuae