The GENIUS Act: What businesses need to know about the new stablecoin framework

In July 2025, the U.S. took a historic step in digital asset regulation. With the signing of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act (the GENIUS Act), policymakers delivered the nation’s first comprehensive federal framework for stablecoin issuance. 

The GENIUS Act sets new standards for reserve backing, transparency and oversight of stablecoin issuers, while also signaling Washington’s recognition that digital assets – and particularly dollar-pegged stablecoins – are no longer niche. They’re becoming part of the mainstream financial system. 

But beyond crypto startups and banks, what does this mean for U.S. businesses? For many of our clients, the GENIUS Act represents both an opportunity and a challenge. 

What the GENIUS Act is trying to accomplish 

At its core, the Act is designed to bring clarity and stability to a fast-growing corner of the digital asset market. Policymakers see stablecoins as: 

• A bridge to innovation: Enabling faster, cheaper payments in both retail and B2B contexts. 
• A safeguard for consumers: By requiring one-to-one reserves in U.S. dollars or Treasuries, paired with monthly, audited reports. 
• A reinforcement of the dollar’s global role: Positioning the U.S. dollar as the default currency of the digital economy. 

Importantly, the GENIUS Act draws a bright line by noting that stablecoins are not securities or commodities if issued under the framework. That removes years of uncertainty for issuers, investors and businesses considering adoption. 

Direct impacts on businesses 

Not every company will issue or custody stablecoins, but many will interact with them, whether through payments, payroll, financing or customer-facing platforms. The most immediate impacts include: 

• Operational changes: Businesses that accept or pay in stablecoins will need to update controls, payment processes and compliance protocols.