The US Federal Reserve has unveiled two proposals to establish regulations for stablecoin issuers under its supervision. This move requires that the tokens be fully backed by liquid and secure assets, marking a milestone in US crypto regulation.
With the implementation of the GENIUS Act on the horizon, authorities are looking to integrate these digital assets into the traditional financial system, prioritizing transparency and risk management.
The Federal Reserve's regulatory framework
La The Federal Reserve has proposed new guidelines for issuers of payment stablecoins under its supervision. This regulatory advancement is part of the development of the GENIUS Act, the cryptocurrency legislation signed in July 2025 in the United States. The proposals will be open for public comment for a period of 60 days after their publication in the Federal Register, marking a decisive step toward regulatory clarity.
Backing and capital requirements
The first proposal requires issuers to maintain reserves composed entirely of permitted assets, such as short-term Treasury bills and other high-quality liquid assets. In an ecosystem where amounts as high as Q20.26 billion (20.260 billion) are handled in certain trading volumes, establishing standardized capital requirements is vital. These measures aim to mitigate credit and operational risks, while also defining strict rules for the companies responsible for safeguarding the assets backing these tokens.
Application process for banking entities
The second proposal creates a tailored application process for banks supervised by the Board that wish to issue payment stablecoins. These entities will be required to submit a detailed business plan and their complete financial information. The framework also establishes clear procedures for appeals, hearings, and final decisions, providing legal certainty to the institutional sector seeking to integrate blockchain technology into its daily operations.
The impact of the GENIUS Act and the global context
This move by the Fed adds to the efforts of other US agencies. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is working to finalize its own rules in November, while the Treasury Department has proposed restrictions to prevent the sale of non-compliant stablecoins to US customers. Furthermore, the current administration views these dollar-pegged tokens as a strategic tool to extend the global dominance of its currency.
This regulatory approach aligns with the standards we already apply in Europe. In fact, the MiCA Regulation It has been a pioneer in demanding transparency and rigorous audits to protect users. If you want to learn more about how these assets work and their impact on the economy, you can explore the free resources at Bit2Me Academy.
FAQ
What does the Fed's new proposal on stablecoins require?
The proposal requires supervised issuers to fully back their payment tokens with secure and liquid assets, such as short-term Treasury bills. It also imposes standardized capital requirements and risk management rules to ensure the stability of the financial ecosystem.
What is the GENIUS Act?
The GENIUS Act is a US law signed in July 2025 that establishes the first federal framework for dollar-pegged tokens. Its objective is to regulate the issuance and management of stablecoins, ensuring they operate under oversight similar to that of traditional banks.
How does this regulation compare with the MiCA Regulation?
While the United States is moving forward with the GENIUS Act, in Europe the MiCA Regulation already establishes a comprehensive framework for crypto assets. Both sets of regulations aim to protect users by requiring issuers to maintain audited reserves and operate transparently and in compliance with regulations.
The consolidation of regulatory frameworks such as the GENIUS Act in the United States and the MiCA Regulation in Europe demonstrates the maturity of the crypto sector. The requirement for audited reserves and transparent processes reinforces confidence in stablecoins as fundamental tools for the global digital economy.
As traditional financial institutions and regulators define the rules of the game, the ecosystem is moving toward more secure and institutionalized adoption. Staying informed about these changes is key to understanding the future of money and blockchain technology.
Investing in cryptoassets is not fully regulated, may not be suitable for retail investors due to high volatility and there is a risk of losing all invested amounts.
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