Hundreds of Crypto Firms Slam US Bank’s Lobby to Prohibit Stablecoin Yields

Core Viewpoint - A coalition of over 125 cryptocurrency companies and advocacy groups is actively opposing US banking lobbyists regarding the rights to pay interest on stablecoin deposits, highlighting a significant conflict between traditional banking and the crypto industry [1][5]. Group 1: Banking Lobby's Position - The GENIUS Act currently prohibits stablecoin issuers from paying dividends, but a loophole allows third-party platforms to pass stablecoin yields to users, prompting banks to lobby for closing this loophole [2]. - Banking groups argue that allowing unregulated fintech platforms to offer high yields on cash-equivalent tokens poses systemic risks, potentially leading to a capital flight of up to $6.6 trillion from commercial banks to digital asset platforms [3]. - They contend that such a shift would undermine the capital base necessary for banks to underwrite mortgages and business loans, resulting in increased borrowing costs for American households [4]. Group 2: Crypto Coalition's Response - The crypto coalition has urged lawmakers to reject attempts to expand the scope of the GENIUS Act, arguing that reopening this issue would undermine the predictability of regulatory frameworks and introduce unnecessary risks [5][6]. - They dismiss the banks' concerns as a protectionist effort to maintain a monopoly on low-interest deposits, claiming that banks are trying to protect their profit margins by preventing consumers from accessing higher yields available in the Treasury market [6]. - The coalition argues that stablecoin reward programs allow platforms to share value directly with users, enabling households to benefit from higher rates rather than suffering losses due to inflation [7].