U.S. community banks are urging lawmakers to close a perceived “loophole” in the GENIUS Act that allows crypto exchanges to offer yield on stablecoins, arguing it creates unfair competition with traditional banks and could accelerate deposit outflows.U.S. community banks are urging lawmakers to close a perceived “loophole” in the GENIUS Act that allows crypto exchanges to offer yield on stablecoins, arguing it creates unfair competition with traditional banks and could accelerate deposit outflows.

U.S. Community Banks Push to Close GENIUS Act Stablecoin “Yield Loophole”

2026/01/07 13:29
News Brief
U.S. community banks are urging lawmakers to close a perceived “loophole” in the GENIUS Act that allows crypto exchanges to offer yield on stablecoins, arguing it creates unfair competition with traditional banks and could accelerate deposit outflows.

Summary

U.S. community banks are urging lawmakers to close a perceived “loophole” in the GENIUS Act that allows crypto exchanges to offer yield on stablecoins, arguing it creates unfair competition with traditional banks and could accelerate deposit outflows.

What Banks Are Objecting To

  • Stablecoin yield products offered by exchanges
  • Ability to provide interest‑like returns without being banks
  • Potential for consumers to treat yield‑bearing stablecoins as deposit substitutes

Banks argue this activity looks economically similar to deposits but operates outside the full banking regulatory framework.

Why This Matters

  • Competitive pressure: Yield‑bearing stablecoins can attract funds away from community banks
  • Regulatory boundary debate: Where to draw the line between payments, securities, and banking
  • Policy precedent: How this issue is resolved could shape the future of on‑chain finance in the U.S.

At stake is whether stablecoin issuers and exchanges can compete on yield without bank charters.

The Counterargument

Crypto advocates contend that:

  • Stablecoin yields often come from market activity or reserves, not lending deposits
  • Users are not guaranteed principal the same way bank deposits are
  • Innovation should not be constrained to protect incumbents

They argue consumer disclosure—not prohibition—is the right approach.

Broader Implications

  • Could influence final GENIUS Act language
  • May determine whether stablecoins evolve into cash‑like instruments or yield‑bearing financial products
  • Signals rising tension as crypto competes directly with traditional banking services

Bottom Line

Community banks’ push to close the GENIUS Act’s stablecoin yield “loophole” highlights a core conflict: stablecoins are starting to compete with bank deposits. How lawmakers respond will shape whether yield remains a feature of U.S.‑regulated stablecoins—or is pushed back into the traditional banking system.

Market Opportunity
Union Logo
Union Price(U)
$0.002331
$0.002331$0.002331
-0.12%
USD
Union (U) Live Price Chart
Disclaimer: The articles published on this page are written by independent contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of MEXC. All content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC. Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile — please conduct your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

You May Also Like

Zaldy Co asks SC to halt graft reso

Zaldy Co asks SC to halt graft reso

FORMER Party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” S. Co has filed a petition before the Supreme Court (SC) to halt an Ombudsman resolution that found probable cause to charge
Share
Bworldonline2026/01/29 21:08
Crypto Executives Advocate for U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Legislation

Crypto Executives Advocate for U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Legislation

Crypto execs, led by Michael Saylor, push for the U.S. to acquire 1 million BTC, establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.   Crypto executives, led by Strategy co-founder Michael Saylor, have gathered in Washington to advocate for a new piece of legislation. This bill, known as the BITCOIN Act, proposes the establishment of a U.S. Strategic […] The post Crypto Executives Advocate for U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Legislation appeared first on Live Bitcoin News.
Share
LiveBitcoinNews2025/09/18 05:00
Hong Kong Backs Commercial Bank Tokenized Deposits in 2025

Hong Kong Backs Commercial Bank Tokenized Deposits in 2025

The post Hong Kong Backs Commercial Bank Tokenized Deposits in 2025 appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. HKMA to support tokenized deposits and regular issuance of digital bonds. SFC drafting licensing framework for trading, custody, and stablecoin issuers. New rules will cover stablecoin issuers, digital asset trading, and custody services. Hong Kong is stepping up its digital finance ambitions with a policy blueprint that places tokenization at the core of banking innovation.  In the 2025 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee outlined measures that will see the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) encourage commercial banks to roll out tokenized deposits and expand the city’s live tokenized-asset transactions. Hong Kong’s Project Ensemble to Drive Tokenized Deposits Lee confirmed that the HKMA will “continue to take forward Project Ensemble, including encouraging commercial banks to introduce tokenised deposits, and promoting live transactions of tokenised assets, such as the settlement of tokenised money market funds with tokenised deposits.” The initiative aims to embed tokenized deposits, bank liabilities represented as blockchain-based tokens, into mainstream financial operations. These deposits could facilitate the settlement of money-market funds and other financial instruments more quickly and efficiently. To ensure a controlled rollout, the HKMA will utilize its regulatory sandbox to enable banks to test tokenized products while enhancing risk management. Tokenized Bonds to Become a Regular Feature Beyond deposits, the government intends to make tokenized bond issuance a permanent element of Hong Kong’s financial markets. After successful pilots, including green bonds, the HKMA will help regularize the issuance process to build deep and liquid markets for digital bonds accessible to both local and international investors. Related: Beijing Blocks State-Owned Firms From Stablecoin Businesses in Hong Kong Hong Kong’s Global Financial Role The policy address also set out a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets. Hong Kong is implementing a regime for stablecoin issuers and drafting licensing rules for digital asset trading and custody services. The Securities…
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2025/09/18 07:10