Drift Protocol Secures $150M Recovery Backing, Shifts to USDT

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Drift Protocol has announced a $150 million recovery plan, including $127.5 million from Tether, following a DeFi exploit that caused $285 million in losses. As part of a protocol update, the platform is shifting from USDC to USDT. The recovery strategy links repayments to trading activity and revenue.
  • Drift secures funding as recovery plan ties payouts to activity
  • Tether backs Drift relaunch while platform shifts from USDC to USDT
  • The revenue-based recovery model aims to restore losses after exploitation

Drift Protocol has moved to stabilize its platform after a major exploit disrupted operations earlier this month. The Solana-based trading platform is now advancing a structured recovery plan supported by major partners. This development follows the April 1 incident that resulted in approximately $285 million in user losses, prompting urgent action to restore confidence and rebuild activity.


Tether has committed up to $127.5 million as part of a broader recovery package nearing $150 million. The funding also includes contributions from ecosystem partners, signaling coordinated support across the platform’s network. Moreover, the recovery strategy links repayments directly to platform usage, rather than relying on immediate full compensation.


Consequently, Drift will distribute repayments over time as trading activity resumes and generates revenue. This model aligns user recovery with actual platform performance, which may help maintain liquidity during the relaunch phase. Additionally, the phased funding structure reduces pressure on upfront capital while encouraging sustained engagement from traders.


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Recovery plan ties repayments to trading activity growth

Drift’s approach introduces a revenue-based recovery mechanism that depends on user participation after relaunch. As trading volumes increase, a portion of the generated fees will contribute toward reimbursing affected users. This design creates a feedback loop where higher activity accelerates recovery progress. Furthermore, the platform plans to gradually unlock additional funding based on operational milestones. This ensures that financial support remains tied to measurable performance indicators. As a result, stakeholders can monitor recovery progress alongside platform growth.


At the same time, Drift has announced a strategic shift in its settlement assets. The platform will transition from USDC to USDT as part of its relaunch on Solana. This move is expected to enhance liquidity across trading pairs while reinforcing USDT’s presence within the ecosystem. Significantly, the transition also aligns with onboarding efforts targeting over 128,000 users and participants. By integrating USDT more deeply, Drift aims to streamline trading operations and reduce friction across its markets. Moreover, the shift reflects broader trends where platforms prioritize stablecoin liquidity and accessibility.


However, the success of this recovery plan depends heavily on user return and sustained trading activity. While the funding provides a strong foundation, execution will determine the pace of recovery. Drift now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust while maintaining stable operations during its relaunch phase. Drift Protocol’s recovery plan combines external funding with a performance-based repayment model to address user losses. The shift to USDT and phased capital deployment highlights a long-term strategy focused on liquidity and platform growth.


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The post Drift Protocol Secures $150M Recovery Backing, Drops USDC for USDT appeared first on 36Crypto.

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