The U.S. SEC clarifies that broker-dealers holding stablecoins can count them as net capital at a 2% discount

What signals did the US SEC send behind the new 2% discount regulation for stablecoins?

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued guidance on payment stablecoins on February 19, allowing broker-dealers to treat stablecoins with a 2% discount when calculating net capital, thereby giving them a legitimate status in capital calculations. This adjustment helps to integrate stablecoins into the mainstream financial system and promotes digital asset trading and services. Peirce's statement and the GENIUS Act could potentially change the market landscape, although federal and state frictions still exist. Nonetheless, this move paves the way for regulatory integration of stablecoins.

JPMorgan Sees CLARITY Act as Catalyst Amid Crypto Sell-Off

The JPMorgan report discusses the proposed CLARITY Act aimed at providing clear regulations for digital assets, potentially passing by mid-2026. Key issues include stablecoin yield permissions and conflict-of-interest rules, which are delaying progress.

European Banking Union advances euro stablecoin plan, with giants like ING and UniCredit aiming for launch in 2026

The Qivalis alliance, composed of several major European banks, is planning to launch a euro-pegged stablecoin, aiming for a 2026 rollout. The goal is to provide a regulated, localized US dollar stablecoin alternative to enhance cross-border payment efficiency. The project adheres to EU regulatory standards, employs a 1:1 reserve mechanism, and supports 24/7 redemption, promoting the adoption of stablecoins in the market.

Atsushi Mimura: The surge in stablecoins may strengthen the US dollar's position as the key currency

ChainCatcher Message, according to Jinshi reports, Japan's top foreign exchange official Jun Mimura stated that the surge in dollar-denominated stablecoins is very likely to strengthen the dollar's position as a key currency.

Rising oil prices suppress expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, strengthening the dollar

ChainCatcher reports that, according to Gate market data, the dollar has strengthened against all major currencies due to rising oil prices prompting swap traders to reduce their bets on the Fed cutting interest rates this year. The market currently expects about 59 basis points of rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, down from 61 basis points last Friday. Gareth Berry, a strategist at Sydney's Macquarie Group, said this could be an early signal that the market believes sustained oil price increases will lead to higher inflation pressures in the US, thereby reducing the Fed's willingness to cut rates. Deteriorating risk sentiment has also contributed to the dollar's rise, with S&P 500 futures down 1.5%.

U.S. economic data releases are coming thick and fast, and this Friday's reports will determine Bitcoin's direction.

Bitcoin has recently been fluctuating around $66,000. The United States will release five important economic reports this week, including manufacturing and services PMI, ADP private sector employment data, unemployment claims, and non-farm payrolls (NFP). These data could reshape market expectations for Federal Reserve interest rates and consequently influence Bitcoin's price movement. Strong data may suppress Bitcoin prices, while weak data could drive it higher.