
Mastercard Moves on Stablecoins Post-GENIUS Act
In a significant development, Mastercard has made the bold move to focus on stablecoin infrastructure development in light of the newly signed GENIUS Act. This decision positions the company as one of the first traditional finance (TradFi) leaders to align its operations with the new U.S. regulatory framework for digital assets.
The GENIUS Act aims to provide legal clarity, which will enable large institutions to safely integrate stablecoins into their global networks. The law requires all payment stablecoins to be backed one-to-one by U.S. dollars or liquid assets and mandates monthly reserve reporting and compliance obligations for both bank and non-bank issuers.
Mastercard’s infrastructure plans mark a significant milestone in the evolution of digital payments. Its initiatives, including the Mastercard Multi-Token Network and Mastercard Crypto Credential, aim to support its stablecoin operations by offering compliance, interoperability, and user protection. This infrastructure is designed to connect banks, governments, and crypto firms under a unified payments framework.
Mastercard’s approach focuses on centralization and regulatory compliance. The company seeks to embed stablecoins within existing financial systems, ensuring dispute resolution and consistent user protection. This strategy mirrors Mastercard’s long-standing operational model in traditional payments.
The signing of the GENIUS Act accelerates the shift from experimental stablecoin uses to foundational components of the financial system. With legal certainty now established, financial institutions can issue and manage digital dollars with regulatory backing. This transformation supports broader use cases, including international payments, remittances, and business-to-business transactions.
Stablecoins offer lower transaction costs and faster settlement compared to traditional payment systems. Regions outside the U.S., such as the European Union, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, have already implemented comprehensive digital asset regulations. These jurisdictions promote stability, cross-border cooperation, and market trust in digital currencies.
The GENIUS Act aligns with global standards set by these countries.
Source: cryptotale.org