March 31, 2026 Three stablecoin developments bankers should know about The Stablecoin Banker is a periodic newsletter keeping bankers on top of the stablecoin industry. I highlight top stories that are relevant to banks, with my insights and commentary to draw out the most important conclusions. If you find this
In this issue: A deep-dive into the OCC’s proposed rulebook for GENIUS Act stablecoin issuers, covering the economics of issuance, bank-run protections, and what the yield prohibition means for the industry. Plus, a practical action guide for bankers navigating this landmark regulatory moment.
In this issue: As institutions diverge on public vs. private blockchain strategies, the SEC moves stablecoins closer to cash and Stripe brings stablecoin payments to the web. On-the-ground stablecoin adoption is quietly reaching the last mile.
In this issue: Banks and crypto firms clashed at the White House as a new generation of crypto-native banks arrives on the scene. BlackRock moves $2.4 billion into DeFi while the banking lobby fights to keep crypto off Fed rails.
In this issue: Fidelity and Tether both launch regulated stablecoins, raising the question of who will distribute them at scale. Standard Chartered warns banks of a $500 billion deposit outflow risk as NYSE unveils 24/7 tokenized trading.
In this issue: Stablecoin yield products are disappearing under regulatory pressure as Visa moves billions via stablecoins and Rain raises at a $2 billion valuation. Federal regulators push to unbundle banking while Morgan Stanley and BNY expand tokenization initiatives.
In this issue: Three fintechs apply for bank charters in a single week as SoFi becomes the first national bank to issue a public stablecoin. Coinbase launches ‘Custom Stablecoins’ backed by USDC, enabling brands to become stablecoin issuers overnight.
In this issue: Five trust charters clear approval in a single week as banks race to secure stablecoin infrastructure. Lead Bank acquires stablecoin payments company Loop, while a close read of the GENIUS Act reveals tokenholders may be left waiting in bankruptcy.
In this issue: Cross River integrates stablecoins into the banking core as the FDIC outlines three paths to on-chain banking — a watershed moment for the industry. Fintechs are building the stablecoin acceptance layer around banks, while Figure unlocks the first blockchain-native public equity.
In this issue: Visa and Mastercard’s revised antitrust settlement cracks the payment card armor, creating fresh openings for stablecoin-based payments. A fintech charter race accelerates as AI agents begin using stablecoins and global regulators simultaneously legitimize the asset class.
In this issue: Western Union announces a Solana stablecoin that could transform global cash off-ramps as stablecoins dominate the conversation at Money 2020. The Fed’s proposed ‘skinny master accounts’ and Coinbase’s emerging bank-services role round out a pivotal week.
In this issue: A de novo crypto bank secures federal charters in just four months, igniting a trust charter frenzy as stablecoin firms push to vertically integrate into banking. Ripple and Coinbase are both moving aggressively after commercial banking clients.