Bank of America Signals Interest in Stablecoin Launch Pending Regulatory Approval

3 mins mins

Key Points:

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan stated that the bank is ready to launch a stablecoin, pending U.S. regulatory approval.
While some banks engage in institutional crypto trading, most avoid retail crypto transactions.

Bank of America Signals Interest in Stablecoin Launch Pending Regulatory Approval

Bank of America (BoA) may soon enter the stablecoin market, contingent on approval from U.S. regulators, according to CEO Brian Moynihan.

Speaking at a panel session at the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., Moynihan stated that the financial services giant is prepared to launch a stablecoin for its customers if legislators provide the necessary legal framework.

Bank of America Explores Stablecoin Opportunity

While specific details remain undisclosed, industry analysts predict that Bank of Americas stablecoin would be directly linked to U.S. dollar deposit accounts, providing users with a secure and regulated digital asset for retail and cross-border transactions.

The move aligns with the bank’s broader digital strategy, as Moynihan noted that most of BoA’s transactions are already conducted electronically.

“If they make that legal, we will go into that business,” Moynihan said.

Currently, stablecoins like USDC and USDT dominate the market with a combined circulation of over $200 billion. A BoA-backed stablecoin could introduce a regulated alternative, attracting both retail and institutional investors.

Top stablecoin by market cap. *Source: CoinMarketCap*

The discussion on stablecoins comes amid a broader debate on cryptocurrency adoption within the U.S. banking sector. While some financial institutions have embraced digital assets in institutional trading and wealth management, most have refrained from allowing retail crypto transactions.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, for instance, has been vocal in his criticism of Bitcoin, labeling it a tool for illicit activities. Despite skepticism from some industry leaders, Moynihan believes stablecoins could function similarly to money market funds.

BoA’s Tech Investments and Cost of Implementation

The BoA CEO also highlighted BoA’s commitment to technological innovation, noting that the bank invests $4 billion annually in new technology. Implementing a stablecoin system, however, would require significant investment, with estimated costs reaching $8 to $9 billion per year.

Moynihan previously indicated that U.S. banks are ready to integrate cryptocurrency-based payment systems, provided that regulatory safeguards ensure secure and transparent transactions. He emphasized that the banking industry remains open to innovation but awaits clear legislative direction before expanding into digital assets like stablecoins.

The previous administration has undermined efforts to pass stablecoin legislation due to its hostile stance towards cryptocurrencies. On the other hand, crypto enthusiasts believe that favorable stablecoin legislation will soon be introduced in the United States.

This development was spurred by Donald Trump’s executive order regarding the digital asset market. The order directs a presidential commission to develop federal cryptocurrency regulations.

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