When it comes to the regulation of stablecoins, one of the main concerns is the potential conflict of interest that the Federal Reserve would face. As a key player in the payment industry, the Fed operates its own payment infrastructure, including the instant payment service FedNow. With the rise of stablecoins as an alternative payment method, the Fed would be in a difficult position when it comes to regulating these digital assets.
The introduction of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) would only add to the Fed’s dilemma. Both CBDCs and stablecoins serve as digital representations of the dollar, which could be seen as direct competitors. This conflict of interest could make it challenging for the Fed to regulate stablecoins in an impartial manner.
Like any government entity, the Federal Reserve may struggle to objectively assess privately issued payment innovations that pose a threat to its own services. By granting the Fed regulatory power over stablecoins, there is a risk of unfairly favoring traditional payment methods over emerging alternatives.
In essence, allowing the Federal Reserve to oversee the regulation of stablecoins would be akin to letting the fox guard the henhouse. It’s important to consider the potential conflicts of interest that could arise and to ensure that regulations are fair and impartial across all payment platforms.
