Do Stablecoins Really Count as Cash? After the Genius Act, Accounting Standards for Stablecoins May Be Adjusted
The U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has added two crypto-related projects to its 2026 agenda: whether certain stablecoins can be classified as cash equivalents, and how to account for transfers of crypto assets. This follows the passage of the Genius Act, a regulatory framework for stablecoins, and reflects ongoing political support for the crypto industry from the Trump administration.
FASB’s move aims to address accounting grey areas, such as when to derecognize crypto assets and how to treat wrapped tokens. These issues impact financial transparency, risk disclosure, and comparability for investors. Although FASB introduced fair-value accounting rules for crypto in 2023, significant gaps remain, particularly around the definition and treatment of stablecoins.
Some critics argue the agenda is politically motivated rather than driven by widespread corporate adoption. However, as the Genius Act takes effect in 2027, stablecoin usage is expected to grow, increasing the urgency for clearer accounting guidance. FASB Chair Rich Jones emphasized the importance of defining what does—and does not—qualify as a cash equivalent. The SEC has also acknowledged the difficulty of applying existing accounting frameworks to crypto assets.
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