Regulatory Policy

Focuses on global regulatory developments, policy changes, and compliance requirements. It provides in-depth analysis of government regulations and their impact on the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries, helping businesses and investors proactively manage policy-related risks.

Why Must Banks Ban Stablecoin Yields?

The article "Why Banks Are Determined to Ban Yield-Bearing Stablecoins?" explores the ongoing debate around the U.S. cryptocurrency market structure bill (CLARITY), particularly the fierce opposition from large banks against interest-bearing stablecoins. Banks argue that such stablecoins could cause deposit outflows, but the author refutes this, explaining that funds used to purchase stablecoins like USDC ultimately flow back into the banking system as reserves held by issuers like Circle. The real concern for banks is not the total volume of deposits but a shift in deposit structure. U.S. major banks (e.g., Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase) rely heavily on "low-interest banking," where transaction deposits (used for payments, transfers) pay near-zero interest, creating a significant spread between deposit rates and the Fed’s benchmark rate. This model generates massive profits—over $360 billion annually from interest differentials and transaction fees. Stablecoins directly compete with transaction deposits by offering similar utility (payments, settlements). If stablecoins can generate yield, users may shift funds from bank transaction accounts to stablecoins to earn higher returns. While the money remains in the banking system (as stablecoin reserves), it moves from low-cost transaction deposits to higher-yield instruments, squeezing bank profit margins and reducing fee income. Thus, banks oppose yield-bearing stablecoins to protect their lucrative low-cost deposit base and maintain control over profit distribution, making it a central issue in the CLARITY legislative battle.

marsbit01/19 09:43

Why Must Banks Ban Stablecoin Yields?

marsbit01/19 09:43

Why Must Banks Ban Stablecoin Yields?

The article explores why U.S. banks are strongly opposing interest-bearing stablecoins, despite claims that such assets could cause bank deposit outflows. It argues that funds flowing into stablecoins like USDC do not leave the banking system—instead, they are held as reserves in highly liquid assets like cash or Treasury bills, which eventually return to banks. The real concern for large banks is not the total volume of deposits, but a shift in deposit structure. U.S. megabanks rely heavily on low-cost transactional deposits (used for payments and transfers), which pay near-zero interest. These deposits allow banks to profit from the spread between the Fed funds rate and what they pay depositors, as well as from transaction fees. Interest-bearing stablecoins threaten this model. They offer similar transactional utility but also provide yield, incentivizing users to move funds out of traditional bank transactional accounts. While the money may return to the banking system, it would likely be placed in higher-yielding deposit accounts, increasing banks’ funding costs. Additionally, stablecoins could disrupt banks’ fee income from payment services. The core issue is profit redistribution: stablecoins—especially those offering yield—could reduce banks’ low-cost funding advantage and erode their transaction revenue, explaining the fierce opposition to interest-bearing models in proposed legislation like the CLARITY Act.

Odaily星球日报01/19 09:26

Why Must Banks Ban Stablecoin Yields?

Odaily星球日报01/19 09:26

The United States Will Not Reject Stablecoins

The article argues that the U.S. has no fundamental reason to reject stablecoins, despite regulatory friction. The debate centers on the "passive yield" mechanism, with traditional banks fearing massive deposit outflows—potentially up to $6 trillion—from community banks into yield-bearing stablecoins like USDC, which could raise lending costs. Coinbase counters that yield is a tool for user benefit and efficiency, helping users escape near-zero bank interest rates. Stablecoin issuers like Tether and Circle have become significant buyers of U.S. Treasury bonds, holding $1700 billion in Treasuries and accounting for a small but growing share of the money supply. With foreign demand for U.S. debt declining, stablecoins help sustain Treasury markets. The piece traces the rapid evolution of on-chain yield mechanisms, from Ethena’s USDe—which surged then contracted after deleveraging events—to more mature vault-based models like those on Morpho. While on-chain yield products have advanced, real-world adoption in payments remains limited. The solution proposed is integrating yield into payment systems, making yield a default feature during transactions—not just when holding or idling—thus benefiting users, merchants, and platforms. Examples like Airwallex’s yield products and travel platform partnerships show the potential. The conclusion is that stablecoins must expand utility and user base to succeed, with the next challenge being the governance of yield vaults to prevent systemic risks.

marsbit01/19 03:37

The United States Will Not Reject Stablecoins

marsbit01/19 03:37

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