Daily Brief: September 27, 2025
Google Bets on Crypto, Tether Eyes Big Funding
TL;DR: Google is diving into crypto mining to boost its AI capabilities, investing in companies like Cipher Mining and TeraWulf. Meanwhile, Tether is seeking a $20 billion funding round with interest from SoftBank and Ark Invest, signaling a strong push into the U.S. market. The SEC and FINRA are probing crypto treasury insider trading, spotlighting the need for transparency. These moves show how tech and finance are evolving together, shaping new digital landscapes.
🔗 Google Invests in Crypto Mining for AI Growth
Google is making headlines by investing in crypto mining companies to enhance its AI infrastructure. It has acquired a 5.4% stake in Cipher Mining and backed $1.4 billion of Fluidstack's lease obligations. This is part of a broader strategy to integrate AI with cryptocurrency mining, providing significant computing power to AI platforms.
TeraWulf, another crypto mining company, is raising $3 billion with Google's support. The funds will expand data centers that support both AI and crypto mining. Google holds a 14% stake in TeraWulf, showing its strong belief in merging crypto and AI infrastructures. This partnership is expected to boost TeraWulf's capabilities in AI hosting.
These investments highlight a trend where crypto mining firms are shifting toward AI services. Google's involvement emphasizes the strategic importance of dual-use data centers. The market has responded positively, with stock prices of companies like TeraWulf and Cipher Mining rising, reflecting investor confidence in this new direction.
Why it matters: This development shows how tech giants like Google are reshaping the landscape by merging AI and crypto mining, potentially leading to more efficient and powerful data centers.
💰 Tether Eyes $20B Boost with SoftBank, Ark Invest
Tether, the company behind the leading stablecoin USDT, is in discussions to raise between $15 billion and $20 billion. This funding round could value Tether at $500 billion, placing it among the world's most valuable private companies. Major investors like SoftBank and Ark Invest are reportedly interested, highlighting the growing confidence in stablecoin infrastructure.
The potential investment from SoftBank and Ark Invest comes amid speculation about Tether's future IPO plans. This move follows Circle's successful IPO, suggesting Tether may aim for a similar market impact. The involvement of these investors could significantly boost Tether's growth and influence in the crypto market.
Tether's fundraising efforts reflect the booming stablecoin market, which has grown 40% this year. The company plans to expand into the U.S. market with a new token, USAT, that complies with federal crypto regulations. This strategic move shows Tether's readiness to adapt to regulatory changes while maintaining its market dominance.
Why it matters: This funding round underscores the rising institutional adoption of stablecoins, potentially reshaping Tether's role in digital finance and influencing global payment systems.
🔍 SEC and FINRA Probe Crypto Treasury Insider Trading
The SEC and FINRA are investigating suspicious trading activities in crypto treasury firms. Their focus is on unusual trading patterns that occur before official announcements, raising concerns about potential insider trading. Regulators are looking into possible breaches of Regulation Fair Disclosure, which ensures all investors have equal access to important information.
The investigation covers over 200 companies with crypto treasury strategies. These firms are being reviewed for potential leaks or misuse of non-public information. The SEC and FINRA are particularly interested in sharp price swings and heavy trading volumes that happen before public announcements, which could suggest selective information sharing.
This regulatory scrutiny comes as crypto treasuries manage over $100 billion in capital, mainly in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The rise of crypto ETFs has sparked debate about the future of crypto treasuries. Some experts think ETFs might replace them, while others argue they serve distinct roles, especially in decentralized finance.
Why it matters: This investigation highlights the need for transparency and fairness in crypto markets, which are vulnerable to manipulation. Ensuring equal access to information protects investors and maintains trust in digital finance.
