Bank commentary: Could stablecoins be issued by the Fed?

The CEO of United Texas Bank Scott Beck has commented on the policies for stablecoins and cryptocurrency in the state. Before a conference at the end of last week, Beck suggested that the blockchain-based currencies pegged to other assets (stablecoins) should be left to the banking sector rather than relying on cryptocurrency firms to conduct the activity.

His comments are linked to the adoption and future of the cryptocurrency industry. Beck believes that stablecoins issued and offered by banks (rather than cryptocurrency-centric institutions) would stand a better chance for user protection. Furthermore, the industry would offer more opportunities to receive funding if stablecoins were offered by banks. He stated:

“Bringing stablecoin activities into the banking sector and prohibiting non-banks from issuing stablecoins will enhance consumer protection and attract additional resources and capital to this emerging area of economic activity.”

He noted that for stablecoins to be defined and used as money, the banks need to be involved in issuing and managing them. With expertise and legal framework for regulated handling of money, Beck believes that banks are able to offer a “proper economic” standpoint.