Brookings Analyzes Stablecoin Effects on U.S. Treasuries

The Brookings Institution has published a report detailing the implications of stablecoin growth on U.S. Treasuries, highlighting regulatory changes due to the GENIUS Act. The report suggests significant market shifts due to rising private sector demand.

Key actors include the U.S. Congress and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Regulatory changes mandate stablecoin reserves backed with short-duration U.S. Treasuries, potentially lowering borrowing costs. The current stablecoin market holds over $236 billion in Treasuries, with projected demand reaching $2 trillion post-regulation implementation.

Financial outcomes may include a shift from bank deposits to stablecoin platforms, impacting bank lending and compressing treasury yields. Brookings suggests these changes could reshape market structures, as U.S. Treasury demand surges. The act aims to rein in national debt.

“A thriving stablecoin ecosystem will drive demand from the private sector for US Treasuries, which back stablecoins. This newfound demand could lower government borrowing costs and help rein in the national debt.”

Pre-2025 stablecoin expansion mirrored money market fund activity, contributing to Treasury yield fluctuations. The GENIUS Act’s regulations could intensify these effects, deepening the integration of stablecoins with traditional finance.

Experts like Aaron Klein from Brookings highlight that stablecoins present unique challenges for regulators as they interact more with fixed-income markets. Historical trends suggest adjustments are pivotal for managing potential risks in the evolving financial landscape.