The GENIUS Act: U.S. Senate Approves New Law for Stricter Stablecoin Regulation
On June 20, 2025, the United States Senate passed the GENIUS Act (Guaranteeing Essential National Integrity for Uniform Stablecoins Act), marking a significant shift in federal oversight of stablecoins. The legislation aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoin issuers, promote market stability, and protect consumers in the rapidly expanding digital asset sector.
What Is the GENIUS Act?
The GENIUS Act is a bipartisan initiative designed to provide clear federal rules for the issuance, management, and redemption of stablecoins — digital tokens pegged to the value of fiat currencies or other assets. The Act is seen as a response to growing concerns about systemic risks posed by unregulated or loosely regulated stablecoin projects.
Key features of the GENIUS Act include:
-
Mandatory Federal Licensing: All stablecoin issuers must obtain a license from the U.S. Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
-
Reserve Requirements: Issuers must maintain 100% reserves in high-quality liquid assets such as U.S. Treasuries or insured bank deposits.
-
Monthly Audits: Issuers must submit monthly audited reports disclosing reserve holdings and operational risks.
-
Consumer Protections: Mandatory disclosure of redemption rights and risk factors for stablecoin holders.
Key Provisions of the Law
1️⃣ Federal Oversight of Issuers
The Act mandates that all stablecoin issuers operating within U.S. jurisdiction register and comply with federal standards. This eliminates regulatory arbitrage between states and ensures consistent supervision.
2️⃣ Prohibition of Algorithmic Stablecoins
One of the most notable measures is the effective ban on algorithmic stablecoins that lack asset backing, following lessons learned from past collapses like TerraUSD.
3️⃣ Enhanced Transparency and Reporting
Stablecoin providers must:
-
Publish monthly reserve attestations by registered accounting firms.
-
Disclose redemption mechanisms and timelines.
-
Report significant cybersecurity incidents to federal regulators within 48 hours.
4️⃣ Enforcement and Penalties
The Act empowers federal agencies to:
-
Impose fines up to $10 million per violation.
-
Suspend or revoke licenses of non-compliant issuers.
-
Initiate criminal proceedings against fraudulent operators.
Market Reaction
The crypto industry has shown mixed reactions. Major regulated players such as Circle and Paxos have welcomed the clarity, stating it provides a safer environment for adoption. Meanwhile, smaller issuers and DeFi projects have expressed concerns about higher compliance costs and potential barriers to innovation.
Global Implications
The GENIUS Act sets a precedent that may influence stablecoin regulations globally. With the EU finalizing its MiCA framework and Asian markets exploring similar rules, U.S. leadership in this space could shape international standards.
What’s Next?
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass given bipartisan support. President Biden has signaled his intent to sign the GENIUS Act into law promptly. The Treasury and OCC are preparing to draft detailed implementation guidelines, expected within 180 days of enactment.
Conclusion
The GENIUS Act represents a landmark in the regulation of stablecoins in the United States. By creating a robust framework for oversight, the law aims to mitigate risks while fostering responsible innovation in the digital asset economy.