Google veteran says U.S. free markets are winning after 'genius' idea

Core Viewpoint - The financial world is splitting into two competing models: government-led digital currencies and private sector stablecoins, with the latter gaining momentum faster than the former [1][3]. Group 1: Financial Models - The European Central Bank (ECB) is investing €1.3 billion to launch a digital euro by 2029, representing a centralized system where one authority controls monetary policy at the transaction level [3]. - In contrast, the U.S. GENIUS Act formalizes regulated, audited stablecoins backed 1:1 by real-world assets, promoting a distributed model that allows for competition and reduces risks associated with single-point failures [4][5]. Group 2: Regulatory Framework - The GENIUS Act establishes a clear regulatory framework for stablecoins, focusing on safety, transparency, and strict auditing requirements [5]. - Companies issuing USD-backed stablecoins must hold full 1:1 reserves in cash or short-term Treasuries, undergo regular public audits, maintain segregated assets, and register under a federal licensing regime [6]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The private sector is advancing more rapidly than government initiatives, with companies like Revolut integrating blockchain technology for settlement, indicating a shift towards innovation in financial services [5].