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.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller emphasized the importance of engaging with payment industry innovators to understand emerging technologies like digital assets, tokenization, and AI during a speech at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium. He noted the potential of stablecoins and the recent U.S. Genius Act in shaping the future of digital payments, while acknowledging the ongoing technological revolution in the payments sector.

Stablecoins are redefining financial product development by allowing instant settlement and programmable features, leading to new business models and opportunities in finance. The article compares the traditional Banking as a Service (BaaS) stack with the emerging stablecoin stack, highlighting the transformative potential of stablecoins in the financial services landscape. It emphasizes that while traditional banking infrastructure won't disappear, stablecoins offer a unique platform for innovation in financial products.

Stablecoins are poised to revolutionize the payments landscape, representing a significant shift in financial infrastructure akin to past technological transformations. With new regulations like the GENIUS Act and growing adoption by major financial institutions, stablecoins are expected to enable instant, borderless transactions and drive economic growth, particularly as AI integration accelerates. As they become the backbone of global financial systems, the real impact of stablecoins will be felt behind the scenes, transforming how money moves and functions in the digital economy.

Fintech is currently only 3% complete, despite substantial revenue growth and upcoming IPOs. The industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by innovations like stablecoins and AI, while established banks face challenges in adapting to the evolving landscape. Key developments include Circle's IPO, Visa's new payment solutions, and the rise of AI-native fintech companies.