US regulators push user ID requirements for stablecoin issuers akin to regulated banks

Proposed Rules Target Stablecoin Issuers with Customer ID Requirements

The proposed rules by US government agencies suggested that stablecoin issuers be subject to customer identification program requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act, the same as regulated financial firms.

Source: Federal Register

The proposed rule, which will be open to public comment for 60 days after it is officially filed in the US Federal Register on Monday, is intended to address Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) requirements for stablecoin providers through the GENIUS Act.

Minimum Standards Under the Bank Secrecy Act

The minimum standards under the Bank Secrecy Act for financial institutions - potentially applied to stablecoin issuers under GENIUS - include:

• Verifying the identity of any person seeking to open an account
• Maintaining records of that information
• Determining if the individual is a suspected terrorist or part of any terrorist organization

Implementation Timeline

The agencies’ actions were the latest implementation related to GENIUS, largely championed by US stablecoin issuers. The law is expected to go into effect 18 months after it was signed or 120 days after federal authorities finalize regulations for implementation.

Related: Banking group asks for more time to comment on US stablecoin bill

Related Regulatory Actions

Treasury has already proposed AML and CFT requirements targeting illicit finance under GENIUS. In April, the FDIC suggested that rules providing insurance for corporate deposits of stablecoin issuers not extend to holders.

Legislative Outlook

After the passage of the GENIUS Act last year, the US Congress still has no defined timeline on addressing the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, a bill intended to redefine financial agencies’ roles in regulating and enforcing crypto rules.

While many in the White House and Congress expect the bill to pass by the August recess, concerns voiced by Democrats over potential conflicts of interest from lawmakers and elected officials could slow progress.

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