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The total rescue package reaches nearly $150 million, with Tether taking a leading role through a commitment of up to $127.5 million. This includes a $100 million credit line tied to the protocol’s future revenue. An additional $20 million comes from partners to support liquidity and market makers.
A key element of the strategy is the creation of a dedicated “Recovery Pool.” A significant portion of the platform’s future earnings will flow into this pool until user losses are fully covered.
Today, Drift is announcing a collaboration with @tether and other partners totaling up to nearly $150 million to support our commitment to a relaunch with $USDT at the center, and a path to user recovery.
— Drift (@DriftProtocol) April 16, 2026
These funds encompass a $100M revenue-linked credit facility, an ecosystem…
Pivot to $USDT Amid $USDC Tensions
One of the most significant strategic moves is the transition to $USDT as the primary settlement asset. This marks a departure from the previous reliance on $USDC and reflects broader tensions within the industry.
The decision follows criticism of Circle, which did not freeze stolen funds as they were transferred between blockchains. In this context, Tether has positioned itself as a key player in stabilizing the ecosystem.
“Debt Tokens” to Compensate Losses
To manage the remaining losses of nearly $295 million, Drift will introduce special recovery tokens. These will represent claims on the protocol’s future revenue.
Users will be able to gradually redeem these tokens as the platform generates fees and utilizes the provided funding. This model aims to distribute the financial pressure over time without requiring the immediate coverage of all losses.
Complete Security Reconstruction
Parallel to the financial recovery, Drift is undertaking a thorough security restructuring. The hack was linked to compromised administrative keys and social engineering—a combination that exposed weaknesses in access management.
The new architecture includes audits by independent firms, strengthened multi-sig mechanisms using physically isolated devices, and the introduction of a delayed execution feature for administrative actions.
Additionally, vulnerabilities related to specific functions within the Solana ecosystem will be removed.
Market Reaction and Stabilizing Trust
News of the rescue plan triggered a sharp rally in the DRIFT token, which surged by over 20%, signaling a recovery in investor confidence.
The broader effect is also being felt across the Solana ecosystem, where sentiment is stabilizing following the initial shock of the attack.
Outlook: A Test for DeFi Resilience
The Drift case highlights the growing reliance of DeFi protocols on major players like Tether during times of crisis.
At the same time, it raises questions about the role of centralized issuers in decentralized systems and the future of risk management in the industry.
For now, the strategy is clear: recovery through a combination of liquidity, time, and structural reforms—a model that could become a standard for future crises in the sector.