Bank Lobby Targets Stablecoin Rewards as Crypto Rules Near Final Stage

TLDR

• Banks push yield limits as stablecoin rules take center stage in Congress.
• Stablecoin yields spark industry clash amid broader digital asset reforms.
• Open banking and stablecoin battles shape America’s crypto policy future.
• Yield caps and data rules slow Congress as digital asset bill evolves.
• Crypto firms resist bank-backed limits that could curb stablecoin growth.

Lawmakers moved toward a unified framework for digital assets as the stablecoin debate intensified in Washington. The banking sector pushed for limits on stablecoin yield because it fears disruptions to existing funding models. The broader fight over open banking rules gained urgency as Congress weighed major changes.

Stablecoin Yield Restrictions Move to the Forefront

The banking industry advanced a coordinated push to prevent stablecoin rewards from operating outside traditional regulation. The American Bankers Association outlined its 2026 priorities and urged Congress to block yield on payment stablecoins. The group argued that yield-bearing stablecoin products could shift core deposits away from banks.

Banks warned that unrestricted stablecoin models might reduce lending capacity across the financial system. Executives from large institutions raised concerns about sudden outflows as digital dollars gained traction. They maintained that stablecoin yield should fall under strict limits to preserve funding stability.

Crypto and fintech firms challenged these positions because they see the restrictions as protectionist. They argued that stablecoin yield offers users a competitive tool that expands digital finance adoption. They also stated that the proposed limits could hinder innovation at a critical moment for regulation.

Data Access Rules Shape the Open Banking Battle

The debate extended into financial data access as open banking rules entered a new stage. Section 1033 aimed to support broad user control over data and allow third-party apps seamless access. Yet banks pressed for revisions they said would define liability and clarify access standards.

Crypto firms countered that these adjustments might restrict data flow through fees or technical hurdles. They argued that stablecoin services depend on smooth data links for wallet onboarding and payments. They warned that reduced access could weaken digital product competition across the market.

Lawmakers continued to weigh both positions as they reviewed technical revisions. Staff from multiple committees assessed how data rules might intersect with broader stablecoin oversight. The open banking debate remained intertwined with the digital asset bill.

Regulatory Timeline Nears a Pivotal Phase

Congress faced mounting pressure to finalize the crypto market structure bill. The measure sought to set clear authority for federal agencies over digital transactions, including stablecoin operations. Yet disputes around stablecoin yield contributed to postponements in recent committee sessions.

Negotiators expected that final decisions on yield rules might influence overall market design. They considered how stablecoin issuers and banks would compete under a unified regime. The outcome carried significant implications for emerging digital payment systems.

The banking sector continued to frame its proposals as essential for stability. Crypto groups emphasized that balanced rules could still protect users without suppressing growth. As talks advanced, both sectors prepared for a regulatory landscape that placed stablecoin management at the center of U.S. financial policy.

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