#Tether , the issuer of the $USDT #stablecoin has financed a $45 million Middle Eastern crude oil deal involving 670,000 barrels, signaling its move into the $10 trillion trade finance industry. This expansion marks Tether's efforts to diversify beyond cryptocurrency by supporting global trade transactions, which traditionally rely on slower, costly payment methods. In addition to trade finance, Tether is also investing in bitcoin mining, artificial intelligence, and venture capital. Despite these developments, Tether faces scrutiny from U.S. authorities over potential sanctions and money-laundering violations, which the company denies.