- Tether is backing a $150 million recovery plan for Drift Protocol after its recent exploit.
- User payouts will be tied to platform revenue, ensuring gradual and performance-based recovery.
- Drift will relaunch on Solana with USDT as its primary settlement asset.
Tether announced on April 16, 2026, a collaboration with Drift Protocol and the Solana Foundation to back a recovery plan worth up to $150 million. This comes after Drift’s exploit that took place on April 1st.
This exploit caused approximately $285 million in user losses. This contribution from Tether reaches up to $127.5 million and it will prioritize user restitution and a safe platform relaunch on Solana.
Tether Leads Support to the $150M Drift Recovery Plan, Stabilizes Relaunch as Drift Plans to Expand USD₮ Usage on Solana
Read more:https://t.co/7GtC2zOxFe
— Tether (@tether) April 16, 2026
The plan links recovery funds to Drift’s trading revenue. This will make sure that the payouts are in line with the platform’s activity. As Drift goes back to its normal functioning, fees from trades will directly fund user balances, with capital released progressively based on performance metrics.
Drift Shifts to USDT Settlement For Relaunch
Drift will transition its settlement asset from USDC to Tether’s USDT upon relaunch. This move integrates more than 128,000 users and 35 ecosystem teams, including Gauntlet, Neutral and M1, into USDT-based perpetual trading.
As one of Solana’s largest venues for perpetuals, Drift’s adoption positions USDT as a core settlement option, enhancing liquidity and efficiency.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether stated, “Tether’s role in the digital assets ecosystem is to provide a platform for individuals and institutions alike that is ready to step forward to help the industry in the moment of darkness.
This collaboration reflects our confidence in Drift and its role in the DeFi ecosystem. The focus is on restoring user confidence and supporting a strong relaunch, with a structure that aligns recovery with real activity and long-term growth.”
Tether’s Track Record in Exploit Recoveries
Tether leverages real-time tracking which is advanced analytics, and has partnered with more than 310 law enforcement agencies in 64 countries. The company has covered more than $800 million in stolen funds industry-wide, outpacing competitors and traditional finance in compliance and prevention.
This effort indicates Tether’s infrastructure role during crises. Past actions include coordinating with ecosystems and authorities to limit damage, support users and uphold market integrity. The Drift plan continues this pattern, providing coordinated stability when exploits disrupt DeFi platforms.
Solana Price Rises on Recovery News
Solana’ SOL price climbed following the announcement. As of April 16, 2026, SOL hovered around $85, indicating positive market sentiment. The recovery plan stabilizes a key Solana DeFi player, potentially boosting ecosystem activity and investor confidence.
At press time, the price of the token stands at $84.66 with an uptick of 1.27% in the last 24-hours as per CoinMarketCap.
Drift’s relaunch with USDT integration could bring in higher trading volumes on Solana, where perpetuals remain a high-activity segment. Analysts note Tether’s involvement signals strong backing for Solana-based projects amid broader market volatility.
Implications for DeFi and Stablecoin Usage
Stablecoins such as USDT are central to trading infrastructure, offering reliable settlement amid liquidity demands. Drift’s shift indicates USDT’s advantages in efficiency and availability, especially post-exploit scenarios.
The revenue-driven model avoids sole reliance on upfront capital, trying recovery to sustainable operations. This approach minimizes moral hazards while enabling Drift to scale. For Solana, securing Drift’s future as a top perpetual venue reinforces its DeFi competitiveness.
Tether’s $800 million recovery history sets a benchmark for accountability. By engaging law enforcement globally, Tether contains illicit flows effectively. The Drift partnership extends this to proactive support, benefiting users directly.
As DeFi matures, such interventions highlight the need for resilient infrastructure. Tether’ s action positions USDT as a go-to asset on Solana, with Drift’s 128,000+ users amplifying adoption. Market watchers expect the relaunch to catalyze Solana volumes, with SOL’s $85 price underscoring early optimism.
Also Read: Circle’s Response to Drift Hack Draws Criticism From ZachXBT
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