Paolo Ardoino (born 1984) is an Italian computer scientist and business executive serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer. A prominent figure in the cryptocurrency and financial technology sectors, Ardoino is recognized for his long-standing leadership at the digital asset exchange Bitfinex and his technical contributions to the development of distributed systems, cybersecurity, and peer-to-peer (P2P) infrastructure. Born in Cisano sul Neva, Savona, Italy, Ardoino developed an early interest in computer hardware, networking, and cryptography. He completed his secondary education at a Liceo Scientifico (1998–2003) before attending the University of Genoa. He graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Following his academic studies, Ardoino engaged in research at the University of Genoa, where he contributed to military-funded projects focused on cybersecurity, high-availability networks, and self-recovering systems. This experience provided him with a foundational understanding of resilient software architecture, which would later influence his approach to cryptocurrency exchange infrastructure. Ardoino began his private-sector career in 2010, initially working as a full-stack developer for Frame Asset Management. In 2011, he transitioned to a hedge fund role involving the development and calibration of trading algorithms. In 2012, he co-founded Fincluster, a technology company that developed cloud-based financial applications for fund managers, independent advisors, and institutional clients across London, Milan, and Lugano. His work at Fincluster solidified his expertise in financial technology and high-performance computing. In 2014, Ardoino joined the digital asset exchange Bitfinex as a senior software developer. Tasked with optimizing the platform’s backend, he focused on scalability, high availability, and matching engine development. His technical contributions led to his promotion to Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Bitfinex in 2016. Building on his work at Bitfinex, Ardoino assumed the role of CTO for Tether in 2017. During his tenure as CTO, he oversaw the technological expansion of USDT, Tether’s U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, and facilitated its deployment across numerous blockchain networks. In December 2023, Ardoino was appointed CEO of Tether, succeeding Jean-Louis van der Velde. Under his leadership, Tether has undergone a strategic transition, expanding its focus beyond stablecoin issuance into broader technological sectors. This restructuring led to the creation of four distinct divisions: Tether Finance, Tether Power (focused on bitcoin mining), Tether Data (AI and P2P infrastructure), and Tether Edu (educational initiatives). Beyond his work at Tether and Bitfinex, Ardoino co-founded Holepunch in 2022, an open-source platform designed to facilitate the creation of decentralized, serverless P2P applications. Ardoino is widely regarded for his technical advocacy, particularly regarding the benefits of open-source technology, decentralization, and the integration of traditional finance with digital assets. He has served as a primary public voice for Tether, addressing regulatory inquiries and skepticism regarding the company’s reserves by championing increased transparency and the transition of backing assets into U.S. Treasury bills and gold. A recognized figure in global financial technology, he continues to lead initiatives that integrate blockchain infrastructure into municipal and commercial frameworks, most notably through his work with the city of Lugano, Switzerland, to facilitate the use of cryptocurrencies for municipal payments.