Tether steps into QR code payments: Invest in SQRIL to accelerate USDT's integration into global everyday consumption scenarios

Tether recently announced an investment in cross-border QR code payment service provider SQRIL, further promoting the practical implementation of stablecoins in the global payment system. The core goal of this investment is to integrate the settlement capabilities of stablecoins like USDT into daily mobile payment systems in emerging markets, covering high-frequency use cases such as retail consumption and cross-border remittances. Specific financial terms have not been disclosed.

According to disclosed information, the cooperation between the two parties will focus on regions such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These markets have high mobile payment penetration but low efficiency in traditional financial infrastructure, creating a strong demand for low-cost, real-time settlement solutions. SQRIL has already established operations in these regions, providing QR code-based mobile payment services, with a continuously growing user base and significant cross-border fund flows.

On the technical level, Tether plans to integrate its blockchain infrastructure with SQRIL’s API-driven platform, making stablecoins a backend real-time settlement tool. Users will still complete payments or transfers via familiar QR codes on the frontend, while USDT will serve as the clearing mechanism in the backend, enabling faster settlement speeds and lower transaction fees. This model is expected to reduce reliance on traditional banking intermediaries, lowering the time and cost friction of cross-border payments.

SQRIL’s existing system has strong compatibility, with its payment network capable of connecting to traditional banking systems including Barclays and Bank of America, as well as integrating with mainstream fintech platforms such as Venmo, Revolut, and Cash App. This “connective” architecture allows it to serve as a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain settlement, providing a practical pathway for stablecoin payments.

Tether stated that this cooperation reflects its long-term strategy of extending from exchange scenarios to real-world payment scenarios. As QR code payments and mobile wallets become mainstream global payment methods, embedding USDT into retail consumption, remittances, and daily transfers is seen as a key pathway to expanding stablecoin adoption.

Overall, Tether’s investment in SQRIL is not only a capital partnership but also an important step in building a global stablecoin payment infrastructure. In the future, as the network expands and products are gradually implemented, the role of stablecoins in cross-border payments and financial services in emerging markets may be further strengthened.