What changed at the latest stablecoin yield and rewards meeting
Representatives from Coinbase, Ripple, a16z crypto, and others joined a white house session focused on stablecoin yield and rewards. The meeting was described as the third in this series and scheduled for 9:00 a.m. ET, as reported by LiveBitcoinNews.
The latest conversation followed two prior meetings that did not resolve core tensions between crypto platforms and banking groups, according to news/white-house-to-host-third-stablecoin-yield-meeting/amp/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener”>Coinpedia. The new session moved the discussion from broad “yield” to a narrower split between rewards tied to activity and interest on idle balances.
The policy debate has now centered on whether to permit activity-based rewards while keeping a ban on interest for simply holding stablecoins, per Cointelegraph. Banking representatives have signaled openness to restricting idle-balance interest, while crypto firms pressed to preserve limited, programmatic rewards under clear disclosures.
Why it matters for users and platforms
For users, the distinction between rewards for activity and interest on idle balances may determine whether stablecoin holdings can earn programmatic benefits without resembling bank deposits. Consumer outcomes could hinge on disclosures and how “activity” is defined.
For platforms, permissible rewards could shape product design and U.S. competitiveness. Banking trade groups have urged a broad prohibition on stablecoin rewards to mitigate deposit-flight risk and maintain regulatory parity, according to the American Bankers Association.
Coinbase and Ripple participated in the talks, suggesting product roadmaps may be adjusted to reflect an allowance for activity-based rewards, if adopted. Any final framework could require robust disclosures, emphasizing differences from issuer-paid interest.
Banks appear focused on ensuring idle-balance interest remains prohibited and that any rewards are tightly circumscribed. Their position indicates continued advocacy for sector parity and guardrails that minimize deposit displacement.
At the time of this writing, Coinbase Global (COIN) was quoted at 167.58 in overnight trading after a 165.94 close on Feb. 19, based on data from NasdaqGS. This contextual market information may not reflect regular trading hours.
Legal contours: GENIUS Act and Digital Asset Market Clarity Act
The discussions are occurring against an evolving legal backdrop. Negotiators referenced the GENIUS Act’s framework and how a forthcoming digital asset Market Clarity Act could codify definitions, disclosures, and supervision for platform-level rewards.
Rewards versus interest on idle balances under current talks
Current talks differentiate activity-based rewards from interest on idle balances. The former are framed as incentives triggered by defined actions; the latter resemble deposit interest and face stronger opposition.
Momentum appears to favor prohibiting idle-balance interest while exploring a narrow path for rewards linked to usage, if compliant with disclosures and supervisory expectations. Scope and definitions remain subject to ongoing negotiations.
Issuer–platform distinction under the GENIUS Act
Legal analyses indicate the GENIUS Act prohibits stablecoin issuers from paying interest or yield directly, while allowing platforms or third parties to offer lawful rewards with appropriate disclosures, as reported by TheStreet. This carve-out is central to current proposals and could preserve platform flexibility without converting stablecoins into deposit-like instruments.
Against that backdrop, industry representatives have signaled room for agreement. After recent meetings, Stuart Alderoty, Chief Legal Officer at Ripple, said, “compromise is in the air.”
FAQ about stablecoin rewards
Did the latest White House meeting move toward allowing activity-based rewards while banning idle-balance interest?
Yes. Discussions narrowed to allowing activity-tied rewards while maintaining prohibitions on idle-balance interest.
How would the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act change what platforms like Coinbase can offer U.S. users?
It is expected to clarify definitions and disclosures, potentially enabling narrowly defined rewards while preserving bans on issuer-paid interest.
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Source: https://coincu.com/news/stablecoins-face-rewards-review-in-white-houses-third-talks/
