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Stablecoin Rules Target Illicit Finance

U.S. Treasury Proposes Stablecoin Issuer Regulations Under GENIUS Act

  • The U.S. Treasury has proposed a rule requiring stablecoin issuers to establish anti-money laundering and sanctions programs under the GENIUS Act.
  • This proposal, developed by FinCEN and OFAC, classifies stablecoin issuers as “financial institutions” similar to other entities regulated under the Bank Secrecy Act.
  • Stablecoin issuers must offer tokens that can be blocked or frozen if they violate laws, ensuring compliance with lawful orders.
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the balance between protecting Americans and fostering innovation in digital financial technology.
  • The proposal requests public comments within the next 60 days, indicating ongoing regulatory developments in the sector.

The U.S. Treasury’s new proposal aims to integrate stablecoin issuers into existing financial regulatory frameworks, enhancing oversight while promoting innovation in digital finance. The rules require stablecoin issuers to implement robust compliance measures against money laundering and terrorism financing, reflecting a significant step towards formalizing their role within the financial system.

By defining obligations for stablecoin issuers under federal law, this proposal seeks to safeguard national security without stifling technological progress in the payment ecosystem (Source).

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