#StablecoinLaw
Stablecoin law" refers to the evolving legal and regulatory frameworks governing stablecoins, which are a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged to a fiat currency like the U.S. dollar, or to commodities like gold. The goal of stablecoin regulation is to address potential risks related to financial stability, consumer protection, anti-money laundering (AML), and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT).
Here's a breakdown of key developments and aspects of stablecoin law in major jurisdictions:
United States:
* The GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act): This is a significant recent development. As of July 2025, the GENIUS Act has been signed into law by President Trump.
* Purpose: It aims to establish a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for "payment stablecoins" – digital assets intended for payments or settlement that are redeemable for a fixed amount of monetary value.
* Key Provisions:
* Requires issuers to hold at least one dollar of permitted reserves for every dollar of stablecoins outstanding.
* Imposes reporting requirements and potentially exams by primary federal regulators.
* Clarifies that payment stablecoins are not securities and are not federally insured.
* Introduces a dual-track framework, allowing some smaller issuers (under $10 billion outstanding) to opt into a state-level regulatory regime if it's "substantially similar" to the federal framework.
* Prohibits stablecoin issuers from tying issuance to other services, misrepresenting insured status, or using deceptive names.
* Includes staggered prohibitions on stablecoin issuance for U.S. and foreign issuers.
* Impact: This law is seen as a major step towards providing legal clarity and legitimacy to the stablecoin market in the U.S., potentially fostering growth and institutional adoption.