FDIC to Release Stablecoin Guidelines as Fed Faces Crypto Scrutiny

TLDR

• Representative Stephen Lynch criticized the Federal Reserve’s stance on cryptocurrencies during a recent oversight hearing.
• Lynch questioned Fed Vice Chair Michelle Bowman’s comments about banks engaging fully with digital assets.
• Bowman clarified that her support applied to all digital assets, not just cryptocurrencies.
• The Federal Reserve is working under the GENIUS Act, which grants it authority to regulate digital asset activities.
• The FDIC is preparing to release a stablecoin framework, focusing on issuers linked to FDIC-insured banks.

During a recent oversight hearing, U.S. Representative Stephen Lynch challenged Federal Reserve Vice Chair Michelle Bowman on her past comments regarding digital assets. Lynch questioned Bowman’s support for banks to “engage fully” with digital assets, specifically cryptocurrencies. He raised concerns about the Fed’s role in crypto regulation and pointed out confusion surrounding the definition of stablecoins.

Bowman clarified that her statements were intended to apply broadly to digital assets, not just cryptocurrencies. She emphasized that the Federal Reserve’s actions are in line with the requirements set out by Congress under the GENIUS Act. The act gives the Fed the authority to create a framework for digital asset activities, including stablecoins.

Lynch pressed Bowman on the distinction between digital assets and stablecoins. Bowman responded by highlighting the GENIUS Act’s impact on stablecoin regulations. She stated, “The GENIUS Act requires us to promulgate regulations to allow these types of activities.” This law grants the Fed and other agencies the authority to regulate stablecoins and other digital assets.

FDIC to Release Stablecoin Framework

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is preparing to release a stablecoin framework later this month. The framework will address requirements for supervising stablecoin issuers linked to FDIC-insured banks. Travis Hill, acting chair of the FDIC, confirmed that the guidelines will mark a step forward in creating a clear regulatory framework for stablecoins.

Hill explained that the FDIC will focus on the supervision of stablecoin issuers that are connected to banks insured by the FDIC. The first set of guidelines will establish an application process for these issuers. Banks seeking to issue stablecoins will be required to submit a formal application, which will undergo scrutiny from the FDIC.

The FDIC’s proposal is a part of broader efforts to regulate digital assets such as stablecoins. Hill mentioned that a second proposal, set to release in early 2026, will establish capital, liquidity, and reserve asset norms for stablecoin issuers. These rules aim to provide better regulatory protection for issuers and investors alike.

GENIUS Act’s Impact on Stablecoin Regulation

The GENIUS Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump, sets the stage for the federal regulation of payment stablecoins. The law tasks the FDIC, along with the Federal Reserve and other agencies, to implement a national framework for stablecoin regulation. It eliminates the need for state-based systems, creating a unified approach for regulating stablecoins.

Hill noted that federal agencies would oversee bank-linked stablecoin issuers, while state regulators would still handle non-bank issuers unless new rules expand federal oversight. The FDIC’s role will include regulating the subsidiaries of FDIC-insured banks that wish to issue stablecoins. These institutions will need to submit applications for approval before launching a stablecoin.

The GENIUS Act introduces the first-ever national standards for stablecoins, establishing clear guidelines for issuer licensing and supervision. Hill’s comments reflect ongoing efforts to clarify how traditional banking authorities will manage the emerging market of digital assets, particularly stablecoins.

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