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Bank Regulators Push Stablecoin Rules While Warning on AI Risks | PYMNTS.com

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Bank Regulators Push Stablecoin Rules While Warning on AI Risks | PYMNTS.com

The House Financial Services Committee’s latest oversight hearing on prudential regulators on Thursday (June 4) took note that the banking system is entering a period in which stablecoins, artificial intelligence and digital payments are moving from experimental subjects to supervisory priorities. At the same time, regulators  argued that examination frameworks must be refocused on material financial risk rather than procedural shortcomings.

As Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman told lawmakers, “The financial system continues to adapt to technological advances, including the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence capabilities and the risks and benefits of its use.” She warned that recent advances in AI have accelerated the identification of cyber vulnerabilities across critical infrastructure, including banking systems.

The hearing brought together Bowman, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Comptroller Jonathan Gould, National Credit Union Administration Chairman Kyle Hauptman and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Chairman Travis Hill.

Stablecoins Move to Payments Infrastructure

Perhaps the strongest area of alignment involved implementation of the GENIUS Act and the development of supervisory frameworks for payment stablecoins.

Gould said the OCC is “working to respond to comments on our GENIUS Act proposal and finalize it.” He argued that the legislation and accompanying regulations would provide safeguards comparable to earlier banking reforms, stating that “the GENIUS Act and our rule will help ensure appropriate consumer protections for stablecoin users.”

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Hauptman framed stablecoins primarily as payments infrastructure rather than a crypto asset discussion.

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“Stablecoins can make payments faster, cheaper, and more inclusive,” he told lawmakers, adding that widespread adoption could eliminate the familiar concept of waiting multiple business days for payments to settle. He noted that “every day is a business day with stablecoins.”

The NCUA chairman also emphasized the international implications of dollar-denominated stablecoins, arguing that the technology could reinforce the role of the U.S. dollar in global commerce. More than 80% of dollar stablecoin activity occurs outside the United States, according to his testimony.

At the FDIC, Hill described GENIUS Act implementation as “a top priority.” He highlighted proposals covering application requirements, reserve assets, redemption standards and compliance obligations for stablecoin issuers supervised by the agency.

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Bowman similarly told lawmakers that the Federal Reserve is developing stablecoin issuer regulations as directed by Congress.

AI Creates Cybersecurity Questions

Artificial intelligence emerged as another major theme, though witnesses generally discussed it less as a productivity tool and more as a source of risk.

Bowman offered the clearest warning, saying that advances in frontier AI models have “dramatically accelerated the identification of cyber vulnerabilities across critical infrastructure, including the banking system,” per her written testimony. While the technology may strengthen defenses, she cautioned that it simultaneously exposes new avenues for cyberattacks.

During the hearing, Rep. Bill Foster, D-Ill., warned of “a wave of fraud driven by artificial intelligence and deep fakes” confronting banks and credit unions. He argued that regulators must remain sufficiently agile and well-resourced to address those threats.

During his opening statement, Foster argued that regulators must prepare not only for AI-enabled fraud schemes but also for risks created by faster-moving financial systems. “Consumers and markets are moving faster than ever with improved access to information, 24-hour banking, and the reduced friction of modern payment systems,” Foster said, while noting that criminals still use “older banking tools such as paper checks for illicit purposes.”

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The comments highlighted a challenge facing regulators and financial institutions alike: The modernization of payments may reduce friction for consumers and businesses, but it also reduces the time available to detect and stop fraudulent activity.

Gould said the OCC recently revised model risk management guidance with other banking agencies “to avoid impeding banks’ use of AI” and indicated that regulators are seeking additional feedback on where further guidance may be needed.

The discussion reflected a broader supervisory challenge facing banks: encouraging innovation while ensuring institutions can manage emerging technology risks. Rather than proposing entirely new regulatory structures, witnesses generally favored adapting existing risk-management frameworks to accommodate AI deployment.

Supervision Reform Centers on Risk

Beyond technology, the hearing focused heavily on how regulators conduct examinations and assess risk.

Bowman said a Federal Reserve review found that many supervisory findings were tied to procedural or documentation issues rather than threats to safety and soundness.

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Hill echoed that theme, describing FDIC efforts to reform supervision around “material financial risks rather than process-oriented, check-the-box requirements.” He said the agency is reviewing existing supervisory findings and redefining key standards such as “unsafe or unsound” practices.

Gould likewise argued that the OCC is “returning to risk-based supervision rooted in law and emphasizing examiner judgment, not arbitrary checklists.”

The witnesses also highlighted revisions to the CAMELS rating framework, capital requirements and community bank leverage ratio rules, all designed, they said, to better align regulation with actual risk profiles.

Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., pressed Gould on chartering and AML standards.

Meeks asked whether an applicant could obtain an OCC charter without demonstrating adequate BSA/AML compliance. Gould did not answer yes or no. He responded that the OCC’s chartering guidelines are “established by statute” and “detailed,” then added: “It’s not as simple as a yes and no.”

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When Meeks continued pressing, Gould said he would be “doing a disservice to the members of the committee” if he treated the question as that simple.

Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., questioned Bowman on crypto access to the banking system.

Lynch raised concern about the convergence of traditional banking and crypto, saying banking has long been built around “safeguards and guardrails” while crypto remains a speculative asset class. He specifically asked whether regulators were looking closely at Kraken after it received limited Federal Reserve payment-system access.

Bowman responded that the Federal Reserve has “a tiered approach” for approving access to the payment system. She said Kraken’s access was approved by the Kansas City Fed for a “limited purpose” and a “limited period of time,” with the 12-month period lapsing early next year. She added that the Fed would use the arrangement to understand how that entity, and similar entities, might use limited access to the payment system.

The hearing made clear that the next phase of prudential regulation will be shaped as much by digital infrastructure as by traditional banking metrics. Stablecoin reserve frameworks, AI governance, cyber resilience and fraud controls occupied a larger share of the discussion than many legacy supervisory topics, reflecting how rapidly the regulatory agenda is evolving.

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Blackrock Becomes World’s First $15 Trillion Asset Manager, Unleashes Tokenization Blitz

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Blackrock Becomes World’s First  Trillion Asset Manager, Unleashes Tokenization Blitz

Key Takeaways

The New York-based asset manager posted adjusted earnings per share of $13.91, up 15% from a year ago, and adjusted operating income of $2.9 billion, a 39% increase. On a GAAP basis, diluted earnings per share reached $12.19, up 20% year over year.

Blackrock’s assets under management (AUM) reached a whopping $15.3 trillion, driven by $868 billion in net inflows over the trailing 12 months and 10% organic base fee growth.

Record Inflows Push Assets to $15.3 Trillion

According to the firm’s second-quarter 2026 earnings, Blackrock brought in $192 billion of net inflows during the second quarter alone, contributing to the strongest first half in the firm’s history. Flows through the first six months of 2026 topped $321 billion, more than double the total from the same period last year.

During the earnings call, Chief Financial Officer Martin Small told analysts on the earnings call that the results reflect Blackrock’s position at the center of mega trends reshaping public markets, private markets, and technology. The company’s adjusted operating margin hit 45.9%, its highest level in nearly five years, expanding 260 basis points from a year earlier.

Ishares, Blackrock’s exchange-traded fund platform, crossed $6 trillion in assets under management, roughly doubling in three years. The unit pulled in $178 billion of net inflows in the quarter, led by $85 billion into core equity ETFs and $61 billion into index bond ETFs. Active ETFs added another $20 billion.

Tokenization Push Moves From Concept to Filings

Blackrock disclosed it has filed two registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for tokenized money market funds. One would create a tokenized share class on ethereum for an existing fund. The other is described as a digitally native strategy with features like daily dividend reinvestment.

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Small explained that the filings are meant to connect Blackrock’s cash management products to investors who already hold assets in digital wallets. He noted the funds are expected to operate across multiple blockchains, with stablecoins supporting subscriptions and redemptions directly on chain.

“When we talk about tokenized assets, tokenized assets are the spear tip into an entirely new distribution channel,” Small explained, pointing to an estimated 5 billion digital wallets worldwide as a long-term growth opportunity for the firm.

Bitcoin, Ethereum and Stablecoin Business Expands

Blackrock now has roughly $110 billion in AUM connected to digital assets, according to Small. The firm’s Ishares Bitcoin Trust, Ethereum Trust, and its BUIDL tokenized fund remain the largest products in their respective categories. Blackrock has set an internal target of turning digital assets into a $500 million revenue business as part of its 2030 growth plan.

The company also manages $60 billion in reserves for stablecoin issuer Circle, which Small disclosed represents about a quarter of the $300 billion stablecoin market.

Despite a decline in bitcoin and ethereum prices during the quarter, Small detailed that Blackrock’s European bitcoin ETF took in more than $650 million in international demand. He attributed the flows to investors treating bitcoin as a small, diversifying allocation inside broader portfolios rather than a core holding.

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Blackrock’s financial tables showed digital assets as a product category recorded $3.1 billion in net outflows for the quarter, with digital asset AUM falling to $48.8 billion from $60.7 billion in the first quarter, reflecting the price declines Small referenced.

Fink Points to Strong Market Fundamentals

Fink used much of his prepared remarks and the question and answer session to lay out his view of the broader economy. He described a market environment marked by rising corporate earnings and technology-driven productivity gains.

“Market fundamentals are strong and well supported, with higher margins and earnings momentum catalyzed by new technology,” Fink said in the earnings release.

Fink added:

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“The scale and depth of our client relationships globally have never been greater.”

On the call, Fink pointed to U.S. equity markets climbing to new highs and said returns are broadening beyond American stocks. He also addressed the dollar’s role in global portfolios, noting the currency’s volatility is tied closely to Federal Reserve policy on interest rates.

Fink also highlighted Blackrock’s role supporting the U.S. Treasury Department’s newly launched Trump Accounts program, with two Ishares ETFs expected to become investment options later this year. He closed the call on an optimistic note.

“Our momentum is accelerating, and I’ve never been more optimistic about the growth ahead,” Fink stressed.

What Comes Next

Blackrock raised its planned 2026 share repurchases to $2 billion, up from prior guidance, after buying back $450 million in stock during the quarter. Executives said they expect quarterly buybacks of at least $550 million going forward, citing confidence in free cash flow growth.

The firm’s private markets business, built around its HPS and Global Infrastructure Partners acquisitions, added $15 billion in net inflows during the quarter. Executives said infrastructure and private credit deployment activity have been among the busiest periods on record for the platform, with insurance companies increasingly seeking higher yields through private market allocations. Fink remarked that the firm has closed about $10 billion in high-grade and infrastructure debt mandates for insurers so far this year, a trend he expects to keep building.

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Proposed cryptocurrency mining facility under review in Starkville

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Proposed cryptocurrency mining facility under review in Starkville

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) — A proposed cryptocurrency mining facility is under review in Starkville, with city officials and residents divided over its potential benefits and drawbacks.

Several citizens voiced concerns at a recent meeting, citing potential noise pollution, environmental impact and the volume of resources the facility would require to operate.

Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill said the facility would benefit the community, describing it as a $10 million investment. She said the money would go to the city, the county and the school district.

Spruill said the facility is projected to use 20,000 gallons of water per day, noting the city’s splash pad uses more — at 60,000 gallons per day.

The center would draw 30 megawatts of power; the city has a 50-megawatt capacity.

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Spruill said the facility would generate about $1 million for the electric department, allowing the city to offset rate increases.

Michael Frayser, owner of High Ground Coffee, said he opposes the proposal.

“What it’s really going to do is — it’s going to gobble up electricity. And all these people are up in the air about the environment and all this stuff. I don’t really want to see a cryptocurrency mining center here gobbling up even more resources, taking up space. I’m not a fan of it,” Frayser said.

Vice Mayor Roy A. Perkins said he needs to see all of the facts and has questions for the company.

“As a decision maker, if I see any type of impact, I’m not going to vote for it to locate here because I’m not willing to risk any quality-of-life issue,” Perkins said.

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Spruill said the board could see plans as soon as August.

Copyright 2026 WTVA. All rights reserved.

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Interactive Brokers Unleashes Stablecoin Rails, Slashes Crypto Trading Costs

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Interactive Brokers Unleashes Stablecoin Rails, Slashes Crypto Trading Costs

Key Takeaways

Interactive Brokers (Nasdaq: IBKR), the automated global broker that manages approximately $930.3 billion in client equity as of mid-2026, integrated these capabilities directly into its core electronic trading architecture. Clients can now execute automatic conversions to withdraw U.S. dollars from their brokerage accounts directly into external destinations, including personal non-custodial cryptocurrency wallets, using Circle’s USDC, Paypal’s PYUSD, or Ripple’s RLUSD.

This infrastructure upgrade bridges traditional finance (TradFi) markets and digital currency networks without requiring investors to switch between separate applications. By allowing near-instantaneous transfers 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays, the firm ensures that market participants can move capital onto the platform and begin trading across 170 global markets within minutes.

Redefining Brokerage Cost Structures

“We believe digital assets should be integrated into a client’s broader financial experience, not treated separately,” explained Milan Galik, Chief Executive Officer of Interactive Brokers. Galik emphasized that as stablecoins become a more widely used method of payment and transfer, the firm remains focused on providing seamless digital asset access alongside a diverse range of global products.

The institutional expansion addresses a critical friction point for high- volume traders who frequently contend with steep transactional overhead on specialized crypto exchanges. Interactive Brokers charges crypto commissions starting between 0.12% and 0.18% of total trade value, featuring a modest $1.75 minimum per order. Crucially, the broker imposes no added spreads, markups, or custody fees, undercutting conventional competitors by up to 85%.

Industry data reveals that recently launched crypto offerings from traditional brokerages charge client commissions as high as 0.75% per transaction. Alternative platforms often remain two to four times more expensive, with some retail applications charging up to 1.20% or more. By maintaining low overhead, IBKR leverages its $21 billion consolidated equity capital to aggressively capture market share from standard spot exchanges.

Token Expansion and Custodial Pipelines

Tuesday’s Interactive Brokers crypto expansion routes new asset classes through separate regulated pipelines to guarantee institutional-grade compliance and security. Through its partnership with Zero Hash, the broker added Aave, Aptos, Canton, Lido DAO, Monad, NEAR Protocol, Plasma, Pax Gold, and Uniswap. The addition of Pax Gold provides a digital token backed entirely by physical gold stored in professional vault facilities.

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Concurrently, Paxos Trust Company will facilitate trading for three of these newly supported assets, specifically AAVE, UNI, and PAXG. These choices join an existing institutional catalog that already includes high- liquidity crypto assets such as bitcoin, ethereum, solana, bitcoin cash, litecoin, and XRP. This dual-vendor model minimizes counterparty risks for the firm’s rapidly growing base of 5.185 million client accounts.

Interactive Brokers (Nasdaq: IBKR) shares on July 14, 2026.

This strategic development coincides with a period of massive operational growth, as the firm’s Daily Average Revenue Trades recently surged 53% year-over-year to 5.269 million. Margin loan balances also climbed 67% to $108.5 billion, highlighting a highly active client base that utilizes capital leverage across unified portfolios. The addition of crypto flexibility serves as an onboarding tool for sophisticated international investors.

Regulatory Guardrails and Global Availability

While the expansion enhances utility for domestic accounts, strict geographic limitations remain firmly in place due to fragmented cross-border regulatory frameworks. Bidirectional funding via stablecoin is entirely unavailable to clients registered under Interactive Brokers U.K. Limited or Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited. Furthermore, the newly introduced crypto-assets cannot be accessed by clients of the Irish affiliate.

Corporate executives maintained a realistic, risk-managed tone regarding broader market conditions, explicitly stating that digital asset trading carries exceptional financial danger. The platform noted that these specific digital products are designed exclusively for individuals with high risk tolerance and the financial capacity to sustain total capital losses. This conservative positioning aligns with the firm’s corporate credit profile and S&P rating of A- with a stable outlook.

As digital and TradFi continue to converge through tokenization and institutional investment vehicles, Interactive Brokers positions its balance sheet as a primary clearing house. The elimination of separate wallet ecosystems reduces operational friction for hedge funds and independent money managers alike. This long-term framework underpins the broker’s overarching strategy to capture institutional wallet share as the digital currency landscape matures.

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