In July 2025, the US enacted the GENIUS Act, establishing the nation’s first federal regulatory framework for stablecoins, paving the way for innovation in both banking and retail sectors.
As a notable topic this summer, Finextra has gathered various insights on the new Act from contributors who have offered fresh ideas and engaged in key discussions about industry innovations.
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How long before the GENIUS Act helps your business run faster and cheaper?
Scott Hamilton from Finextra explores the key elements of the GENIUS Act, detailing its journey, purpose, and the anticipated responses from Congress and the Trump administration regarding stablecoin and crypto regulation. Hamilton emphasizes that the GENIUS Act, which stands for Guaranteeing Essential National Infrastructure in US-Stablecoins, represents the culmination of US efforts to excel in global stablecoin promotion and regulation. -
Bridging the divide: The hybrid future of stablecoins and traditional finance
Rhomaios Ram from the Gillmore Centre of Financial Technology discusses emerging stablecoin models that are transforming traditional finance practices and paving the way for innovations in DeFi and TradFi. With stablecoin transaction volumes constituting nearly half of cross-border crypto flows, Ram addresses how these developments will coexist with traditional banking structures, offering actionable insights and strategies to enhance compliance and innovation. -
Traditional banking vs. crypto banks: The road ahead
Franz Bergmueller of AMINA Bank examines the rise of “crypto banks” fueled by the GENIUS Act, highlighting the newfound reliability and security of cryptocurrencies. He notes that such legislative measures indicate a shift towards regulated, institutional-grade crypto infrastructure and explores how traditional banking and neobanks differ in focus and capabilities. -
Is the UK ‘overestimating the risk and underestimating the opportunity’ of stablecoins?
In a UK-centric perspective, Chris Holmes from the House of Lords aligns the GENIUS Act with potential opportunities for the UK’s financial sector. He argues for regulatory clarity that encourages innovation while also ensuring consumer protection. Holmes reflects on the Financial Services and Markets Bill and reinforces his belief in the UK’s ambition to become a digital asset hub. - Stablecoin summer: The summer financial services turned crypto-curious
Madhvi Sonia, Finextra’s head of content, captures the essence of ‘stablecoin summer’ in her analysis of how stablecoins have become a focal point this season. Despite their growing popularity, she raises concerns about privacy, interoperability, and the risks of centralization in decentralized systems, detailing the international and domestic impacts of the new legislation on leading banks, retailers, and global regulators.