Thomas Daniels
Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer globally, has introduced the Wallet Development Kit (WDK), empowering developers and businesses to integrate non-custodial wallets for Bitcoin and USDT into their applications and websites. This move brings decentralized wallet access to both human users and digital entities like AI agents, robots, and autonomous systems, marking a significant step in Tether’s commitment to broadening financial inclusion.
The WDK aligns with the “groundbreaking vision” outlined in Bitcoin’s 2008 white paper by advancing decentralized, permissionless financial systems. Designed to prioritize user sovereignty, WDK aims to provide developers with tools for creating non-custodial wallet solutions that offer control, flexibility, and enhanced user autonomy. Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO, emphasized that the kit’s modular and customizable features will serve as vital components for creating “programmable, open, and resilient monetary systems.”
In a Nov. 11 post on X, Ardoino detailed that the WDK initially supports Bitcoin and USDT but will expand to accommodate all blockchain networks compatible with Tether’s stablecoins. Additionally, Tether plans to introduce user interface (UI) templates to facilitate wallet deployment across platforms, making non-custodial solutions more accessible for both personal and business use.
Currently holding a market cap of over $124 billion, Tether’s stablecoin offerings, primarily based on the Tron and Ethereum blockchains, account for 46.8% and 42.31% of the total supply, respectively, according to DefiLlama data.
Tether’s Strategic Advances in AI
The release of the WDK represents another major milestone in Tether’s embrace of artificial intelligence. Earlier this year, Tether established an AI-focused division to create open-source models addressing real-world challenges. In an August interview, Ardoino highlighted the importance of decentralization within AI, citing concerns over increasing centralization and the politicized nature of major tech platforms. He affirmed that Tether’s investments are directed toward decentralized AI solutions that promote financial autonomy.
In line with this strategy, Tether launched the “Local AI” SDK at the Plan ₿ event in Lugano, Switzerland, last month. This SDK, known for its privacy-focused framework, enables users to run AI models locally across devices, reinforcing Tether’s objective of bringing decentralized tools to both the finance and AI sectors.
