Merz and Macron Are Right. The Internet of Value Needs Global Stablecoin Alignment

Group 1 - The core proposal from the Franco-German Council of Ministers emphasizes the need for collaboration and equivalence in crypto-asset regulation with third countries, highlighting the borderless nature of digital money and the importance of regulatory alignment for the success of stablecoins [1] - Stablecoins are characterized as a significant upgrade to cross-border payments, offering advantages such as being always on, borderless, and programmable, which contrasts with traditional payment systems that are limited by time and complexity [2] - The effectiveness of stablecoins relies on their global nature; a fragmented regulatory environment could hinder their transformative potential by creating inefficiencies in payment systems [3] Group 2 - Leading regulatory frameworks for stablecoins, such as Europe's MiCA and America's GENIUS Act, share foundational principles including requirements for full reserves, redemption at par, public reporting, and strict governance standards [4] - Differences exist between the two frameworks, with GENIUS imposing stricter reserve rules and monthly attestations, while MiCA allows a broader mix of reserves and requires a white paper at launch, yet both frameworks align on the essential characteristics of a safe and credible stablecoin [5]