Bank of England's Breeden says diluting stablecoin rules further could damage financial system

Core Viewpoint - The Bank of England is implementing new rules for systemic stablecoins, aiming to balance financial stability with the growth of the crypto industry, while emphasizing a different approach compared to the United States [2][5][6]. Regulatory Framework - The new rules limit stablecoin holdings to £20,000 ($26,840) per individual and £10 million for most companies, which is unique compared to other major jurisdictions [3][5]. - Stablecoin issuers are required to hold 40% of the assets backing the coins with the Bank of England, where these assets will not earn interest [3][4]. Rationale Behind Regulations - The 40% backing requirement is based on historical stress events, such as the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the loss of the dollar peg by the USDC stablecoin [4]. - The temporary limits on individual and corporate holdings are intended to reduce stress on banks and credit creation, as many customers might withdraw deposits to invest in stablecoins [5]. Market Context - The UK faces different risks compared to the US, particularly due to its reliance on bank finance for about 85% of mortgages and consumer borrowing [5][6]. - The Bank of England's approach is influenced by the need to remain competitive in the global market for cryptocurrencies, especially in light of the US's regulatory stance under previous administrations [6]. Industry Response - The crypto industry has expressed that the new rules may not be sufficient for fostering growth in the stablecoin sector and is likely to advocate for further easing of the regulations [2][7].