Advocates for long-awaited U.S. stablecoin legislation tried to tie it onto an unrelated must-move reauthorization bill, but leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives are seeking to keep that effort clear of such attachments, according to a Democratic aide.
The Solution for Stablecoin Regulation
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen Urges Congress To Pass Crypto Legislation
In a recent statement before the House of Representatives, US Treasury Department Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the need for Congress to pass legislation that provides clarity and regulation in the crypto markets.
Secretary Yellen Calls For Action ‘Digital Asset Risks’
During the Financial Committee hearing, Yellen highlighted the “risks” associated with digital assets and called for measures to address potential vulnerabilities and non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Yellen specifically mentioned concerns related to runs on crypto-asset platforms, stablecoins, and the “proliferation” of platforms acting outside regulatory boundaries.
The Treasury Secretary stressed the importance of enforcing existing rules and regulations while urging Congress to enact legislation specifically targeting stablecoins and “non-securities” crypto assets in the spot market.
Notably, Taylor Barr, head of policy at the blockchain trade association Chamber of Digital Commerce, pointed out that the bipartisan FIT for the 21st Century Act, led by Representative French Hill, aligns with Yellen’s call for market structure and regulation.
Hill, a proponent of the legislative environment for crypto, previously highlighted the progress made in the House of Representatives. He emphasized passing the first comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets and the prudent approach to stablecoins.
Furthermore, Hill believes that these initiatives address significant “regulatory gaps” and contribute to the crypto industry’s growth.
Pro-Crypto Stance And Legislative Initiatives Align
Barr also commended the Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act proposed by the Chairman of the US Financial Committee, Patrick McHenry.
This act aims to establish consistent oversight and consumer protection for payment stablecoins, incorporating successful state-level regulations and striking a balance between innovation and regulatory certainty.
McHenry, who has been vocal about the importance of the US leading the financial system of the future, has already emphasized the bipartisan progress on legislation to address the regulatory challenges posed by digital assets.
McHenry called for the “completion of the job,” highlighting the Clarity for Payment Stablecoin Act as a crucial step towards establishing a federal framework for stablecoins.
Overall, the convergence of Secretary Yellen’s call for regulation, Representative Hill’s legislative initiatives, and Chairman McHenry’s pro-crypto stance reflect a growing momentum toward establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the crypto industry.
However, it remains to be seen how Secretary Yellen’s proposed regulatory enforcement ideas and proposals will strike a balance between fostering innovation, as emphasized by McHenry and Hill while ensuring the growth of nascent technology.
As discussions on crypto legislation continue, the industry eagerly anticipates the outcome, seeking a regulatory environment that provides clarity and consumer protection and positions the United States at the forefront of digital asset innovation.
Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com
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PayPal’s PYUSD Launch Triggers Calls For Stablecoin Bill
United States Republican Patrick T. McHenry, Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, has released a statement calling for the need to pass the Stablecoin Bill in the wake of PayPal’s launch of its own stablecoin PYUSD.
The Call For A Stablecoin Law
According to the statement, McHenry believes stablecoins are the “pillar of our 21st-century payments system.” However, they must be regulated to reach their full potential.
Part of the statement read:
This announcement [Paypal’s PYUSD Launch] is a clear signal that stablecoins—if issued under a clear regulatory framework—hold promise as a pillar of our 21st century payments system,” said Chairman McHenry. “Clear regulations and robust consumer protections are essential to enabling stablecoins to achieve their full potential. That’s why it’s more important than ever that Congress enact legislation to provide comprehensive digital asset regulation, especially for stablecoins.”
McHenry also recognizes the role of Congress in providing regulatory certainty to the crypto industry and the need to enact these laws that can keep the US at the “forefront of digital innovation.”
The bipartisan Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act recognizes the strong role that states have played in regulating digital asset firms and builds on successful state regimes, like New York’s. We are currently at a crossroads to keep America at the forefront of digital asset innovation. Congress is making significant, bipartisan progress on legislation to ensure the U.S. leads the financial system of the future. We must finish the job.
The bipartisan Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act, which was advanced by the House Financial Services Committee last month, is a legislative framework that seeks to regulate payment stablecoins. Many will be hoping that this bill could spearhead the passing of other crypto-related bills.
PayPal Continues Journey Into Web3
On August 7, payment platform PayPal announced the launch of its dollar-backed stablecoin, PayPal (PYUSD), in collaboration with Paxos (Paxos also happens to be the issuer of Binance’s BUSD). This is part of Paypal’s efforts to increase its Web3 offerings as the company believes that fully-backed, regulated stablecoins can transform payments in the Web3 space.
“The shift toward digital currencies requires a stable instrument that is both digitally native and easily connected to fiat currency like the U.S. dollar,” said Paypal’s President and CEO Dan Schulman. “Our commitment to responsible innovation and compliance, and our track record delivering new experiences to our customers, provides the foundation necessary to contribute to the growth of digital payments through PayPal USD.”
This isn’t Paypal’s first attempt at launching a stablecoin. In 2021, the company explored the possibility of launching a stablecoin but faced a setback following heightened regulatory scrutiny from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Don’t Pop the Champagne on U.S. Crypto Bills – Progress in Congress Has Been Costly
The crypto industry has never made it this far in its quest for a new system of U.S. oversight for digital assets, but the recent flurry of legislative progress may still be too contentious for it to become law.
U.S. Stablecoin Bill Takes Big Step Despite Fight From Democrats, White House
House lawmakers cleared stablecoins legislation for the next step in its route through Congress on Thursday, though the House Financial Services Committee moved the bill toward a potential floor vote without bipartisan support as Chair Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) blamed White House objections for the stalemate.
Fed Chair Powell Says Central Bank Needs ‘Robust’ Role Overseeing U.S. Stablecoins
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell argued for the need for strong central-bank oversight in stablecoin regulations being crafted by lawmakers in the House Financial Services Committee.
New Stablecoin Bill Drafted by House Republicans as Compromise With Democrats
The Republican chair of the House Financial Services Committee has released a new draft of the leading U.S. legislative proposal for overseeing stablecoins, and it includes some of the positions of Democratic lawmakers.
US House Committee Publishes Draft Stablecoin Bill
The stablecoin is the first major piece of crypto legislation in 2023.
