This article outlines the development of Altitude, a platform leveraging stablecoin infrastructure to enhance financial services. It discusses the shift from traditional banking partnerships to self-custodial smart accounts, emphasizing the importance of technical execution and ownership of the tech stack. The piece also addresses the hard problems in the space, including privacy, compliance, and user experience.

The article discusses the challenges faced by banks and fintech companies as they navigate regulatory uncertainties surrounding stablecoins and open finance, particularly in light of the new GENIUS Act. It highlights the gap between regulatory clarity and the realities on the ground, emphasizing the slow pace of rule-making and the varying experiences of state regulators. The piece reflects on historical precedents and the evolving landscape of fintech regulations in the U.S.