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Key Takeaways:
- The GENIUS Act introduces a federal framework that prioritizes payment utility over yield-bearing stablecoins.
- Industry leaders foresee a surge in real-world applications like micropayments and cross-border B2B transfers.
- Widespread consumer adoption will be the ultimate catalyst for stablecoin integration into everyday commerce.
The recently passed GENIUS Act is expected to reshape the stablecoin landscape in the U.S. by offering regulatory clarity and aligning with global standards, according to Sygnum CIO Fabian Dori. The act, formally titled Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins, passed the House with bipartisan support and introduces a clear divide between yield-bearing stablecoins and those meant for payments—ushering in a new wave of utility-driven innovation.
Regulatory Clarity Brings Global Alignment
Fabian Dori believes the GENIUS Act represents a shift toward international regulatory harmony, particularly echoing the EU’s MiCA framework. “By separating payment stablecoins from interest-bearing ones, the U.S. is building the regulatory confidence needed for widespread adoption,” he told Cointelegraph.
That confidence is now materializing across industries. Giants like Mastercard, PayPal, Amazon, and Walmart are laying the groundwork for compliant stablecoin integrations, particularly for payroll, cross-border payments, and settlement services.
Utility Replaces Yield as the Key Driver
With yield-focused models now restricted under the new framework, industry leaders say innovation will shift to functionality. “Utility beats yield now,” said OKX’s Chief Innovation Officer Jason Lau. He expects stablecoins to lean into features like real-time settlements, programmable payments, and seamless integration with trading systems.
Tokenized money market funds—offering 4–5% yields via U.S. Treasury products—are emerging as the preferred vehicles for return-seeking investors, helping maintain the stablecoin sector’s focus on real-world utility.
Micropayments and B2B Use Cases Gain Traction
Polygon Labs’ Aishwary Gupta noted that the transition toward payment-centric stablecoins was already underway. Polygon recorded a 67% increase in micropayment volume from February to June, reaching $110 million. Additionally, retail and enterprise use cases are accelerating, with Polygon working with African telecom firms and onboarding millions of wallets for cross-border B2B payments.
“Small payment volumes ($100–$1,000) grew 190% to over $563 million,” Gupta added, forecasting even stronger momentum ahead.
Consumer Adoption Will Define the Future
Despite regulatory progress, Dori and Gupta agree that consumer-friendly platforms will be crucial. “Fintechs don’t move the needle—consumers do,” Dori emphasized. For stablecoins to fulfill their promise, adoption at the grassroots level is essential.
As DeFi protocols and enterprise platforms build on this new clarity, stablecoins appear poised for a transformative role in digital commerce.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses
