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During a recent closed-door meeting with House Democrats, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the need for Congressional involvement in regulating stablecoins and potentially launching a central bank digital currency (CBDC).
According to Politico, citing an unnamed source present at the meeting, Powell expressed satisfaction with the “close” progress on stablecoin legislation currently being negotiated. He stressed, however, that any movement on a CBDC would require explicit authorization from Congress. “If we’re going to have a CBDC, Congress needs to authorize it,” he stated, according to the report. “We aren’t advocates, but we haven’t made a decision to recommend a CBDC to Congress.”
These statements echo previous public pronouncements made by Powell and other Federal Reserve officials regarding the role of Congress in shaping the crypto landscape. The comments highlight the ongoing debate and uncertainty surrounding the future of stablecoins; cryptocurrencies pegged to traditional assets like the US dollar, and the potential emergence of a digital dollar. Negotiations on stablecoin regulation have gained momentum in recent months, with policymakers aiming to address concerns about consumer protection, financial stability, and potential risks posed by these assets.
Powell’s endorsement of a robust legal framework underscores the urgency for establishing clear rules governing this rapidly evolving technology. While the Fed seemingly remains hesitant to push for a CBDC actively, Powell’s acknowledgment of Congressional authorization as a prerequisite opens the door for further exploration and potential future developments.
