Banks in US and Europe Expand Stablecoin Issuance Amid Regulatory Clarity

According to Odaily, banks across the United States and Europe are increasingly issuing stablecoins, driven by enhanced regulatory transparency and growing market demand. The introduction of the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation and the global interest in blockchain-based payment solutions have prompted traditional financial institutions to compete with established crypto companies like Tether Holdings. Many European banks are launching their own stablecoins to capture a market believed to generate billions in annual profits. Societe Generale's digital asset subsidiary, SG-Forge, has made its euro stablecoin available to retail investors. Similarly, Frankfurt's Oddo BHF SCA and London's Revolut are considering euro stablecoin launches, while AllUnity, backed by Deutsche Bank's asset management arm DWS, plans to introduce its euro stablecoin by 2025. Jean-Marc Stenger, CEO of SG-Forge, indicated that more banks are expected to adopt bank-issued stablecoins. SG-Forge is currently in discussions with about ten banks as potential partners or users of its stablecoin issuance technology. Global payment technology company Visa Inc. is also collaborating with banks like BBVA to create blockchain-based stablecoin solutions. Visa's crypto head, Cuy Sheffield, mentioned ongoing negotiations with institutions in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Brazil. In the US, banks such as JPMorgan Chase are testing blockchain-based payment systems amid regulatory discussions. Although JPMorgan uses its deposit token, JPM Coin, for internal transfers, it lacks the open connectivity characteristic of stablecoins, which can be accessed through any crypto wallet. Naveen Mallela, co-head of JPMorgan's digital assets division Kinexys, anticipates greater market acceptance of JPM Coin over the next three years, noting that stablecoins and tokenized deposits can coexist as different payment methods. However, some issues remain unresolved for US banks, such as the types of reserves that can back stablecoins and whether these deposits qualify for federal insurance, which could lead to confusion during financial turmoil. MiCA regulations, effective December 30, 2024, mark a significant milestone for European stablecoin issuers, ensuring providers have the proper licenses to operate in the EU and setting guidelines for reserve management and investor protection. Circle's USDC has been approved under MiCA, allowing broader use across the region, while market leader Tether Holdings has not yet announced plans for euro stablecoin licensing, potentially opening opportunities for banks and competitors. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank has expressed concerns about the potential impact of stablecoins on traditional banking. A recent ECB study found that converting retail deposits into stablecoins could weaken banks' liquidity coverage ratios. As commercial banks issue stablecoins, central banks are actively developing CBDCs, which may eventually compete with or replace bank-issued stablecoins in wholesale payment systems. Avtar Sehra, CEO of Libre Capital, noted that many are exploring commercial bank digital currencies, with some banks considering forming consortia to create blockchain-based shared tokens for broader interoperability and efficiency.