The rapid evolution of payment technologies continues to reshape the financial landscape, prompting regulators to balance innovation with risk management. The U.S. Federal Reserve joined that discussion during the 2025 D.C. Fintech Week, where Governor Michael S. Barr said on Oct. 16 that new payment systems—especially stablecoins—could modernize financial transactions and enhance global efficiency.

Barr explained that Congress’s bipartisan GENIUS Act gives long-needed regulatory clarity to stablecoin issuers, but he stressed that its success will depend heavily on how regulators apply and coordinate its provisions. The Fed governor stated: “Stablecoins have the potential to improve the efficiency of the payment system, particularly in cross-border applications.” However, he stressed:

For stablecoins to reach their potential, additional work is needed to create guardrails that protect households and businesses, and the financial system as a whole.

He warned that unregulated stablecoins remain vulnerable because many are backed by illiquid or risky assets, making them prone to runs in times of market stress. The GENIUS Act, he noted, narrows this risk by limiting reserves to high-quality, liquid assets. Still, Barr cautioned that inconsistent supervision across federal and state jurisdictions could lead to regulatory gaps and arbitrage opportunities if not carefully addressed.

“While the GENIUS Act made important progress in creating a framework for stablecoins, a great deal will depend on how federal and state regulators implement it,” he said, adding:

If the regulatory framework provides strong guardrails and consumer protections, both the innovation represented by stablecoins as payment instruments, and the resulting competition in the payments space, could help foster payments improvements that benefit households and businesses.

Barr concluded that stablecoins could complement tokenized bank deposits, which already operate under established oversight. Supporters of digital assets argue that a well-executed GENIUS Act could allow innovation to thrive while preserving financial stability.

• Why are stablecoins gaining attention from U.S. regulators now?
  Regulators recognize stablecoins’ potential to modernize cross-border payments and are working to establish clear rules under the new GENIUS Act.
• What is the GENIUS Act, and how does it impact stablecoins?
  The GENIUS Act, or the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act, provides regulatory clarity by requiring stablecoin reserves to be held in high-quality, liquid assets to reduce risk.
• What are the risks of unregulated stablecoins?
  Unregulated stablecoins may be backed by risky or illiquid assets, making them susceptible to collapse during market stress.
• How could stablecoins benefit everyday consumers and businesses?
  If implemented effectively, stablecoins could enhance payment speed, reduce costs, and drive innovation across global financial systems.

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