Tether has committed an undisclosed equity investment in SQRIL, a blockchain infrastructure startup, to accelerate the deployment of stablecoin-based QR payment systems globally. The move aims to deepen real-world utility for USDT and other digital currencies.
- Tether invested in SQRIL to enhance QR-based stablecoin payments
- USDT, BTC, and ETH are supported via new QR payment infrastructure
- SQRIL targets 50,000 merchant onboarding within 18 months
- Transaction processing time under 2 seconds with fees below 0.1%
- Pilots show 40% faster settlement than SWIFT
- SQRIL’s valuation increased 200% post-investment announcement
Tether has initiated a strategic investment in SQRIL, a fintech infrastructure provider focused on scalable blockchain-powered payment solutions. The partnership centers on expanding interoperable QR payment networks that enable instant, low-cost transactions using stablecoins like USDT. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in bridging digital assets with everyday commerce, targeting merchants and consumers across emerging and developed markets. The investment is expected to support SQRIL’s rollout of point-of-sale terminals and mobile integration across Asia, Latin America, and parts of Europe. These systems will allow users to pay with USDT, BTC, or ETH via QR codes, processing transactions in under two seconds with fees below 0.1%. The infrastructure is designed to operate on both public blockchains and private permissioned ledgers, enhancing flexibility for financial institutions and retailers. By leveraging Tether’s established liquidity and global reach, SQRIL aims to onboard over 50,000 merchants within the next 18 months. The integration supports cross-border settlements without currency conversion delays, positioning USDT as a viable alternative to traditional payment rails. Early pilots in Southeast Asia reported a 40% reduction in settlement time compared to SWIFT-based transfers. The development signals growing institutional confidence in stablecoin utility beyond trading. Investors are watching closely, with SQRIL’s valuation rising nearly 200% post-announcement. Crypto payment platforms and blockchain infrastructure firms may benefit from increased ecosystem activity, while traditional payment processors face mounting pressure to innovate.