#GENIUNActPass Here’s a detailed breakdown of the GENIUS Act (S.1582), recently passed by the Senate:
🏛️ What It Is
GENIUS Act stands for Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins. It creates a federal regulatory framework for payment stablecoins—digital coins pegged to fiat currency—requiring:
Licensed issuers (bank subsidiaries, federal/state‑qualified nonbanks)
100% reserve backing in U.S. dollars or equivalent liquid assets
Monthly public disclosures and audits
Priority redemption rights for holders in bankruptcy
✅ Senate Approval
Passed Senate on June 17, 2025, by a 68–30 vote (congress.gov).
Bipartisan support, with key Democrats (e.g. Booker, Schiff) backing it
⚙️ Key Provisions Highlights
Full reserves: Stablecoins must be backed 1:1 by cash, Treasuries, or similar assets
AML/AML compliance: Must follow Bank Secrecy Act, including recordkeeping and sanctions screening
Redemption priority: Token holders get first claim in issuer bankruptcy
No big‑tech interest coins: Restricts interest-bearing stablecoins and issuance by large non‑financial firms
Foreign access allowed: Foreign issuers can operate in the U.S. under reciprocal conditions
🎙️ Support & Criticism
Supporters argue it:
Brings clarity and legitimacy to the stablecoin market
Boosts consumer protection and market trust
Helps keep digital finance innovation within U.S. jurisdiction
Critics, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, say it:
Is too industry-friendly, offering weak consumer and stability safeguards
Opens doors for conflicts of interest (e.g. Trump’s USD1 coin)
Raises financial stability and illicit finance risks
📌 What’s Next
Now moves to the House of Representatives for debate and vote
If passed, it goes to the President’s desk and could become law later in 2025.