Major Retailers Consider Stablecoin Issuance to Reduce Payment Fees

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An Abu Dhabi-based company has introduced the first US dollar stablecoin officially registered in the United Arab Emirates. This development follows Tether's launch of its federally regulated stablecoin in the United States just two days earlier, marking a significant week for regulated stablecoin expansion. **Key Context:** - The UAE has been working toward stablecoin infrastructure since May 2025, when Abu Dhabi entities first announced plans for a dirham-backed stablecoin - This marks the region's first officially registered dollar-pegged digital asset The launch represents another step in the UAE's broader digital asset strategy and regulatory framework development.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has issued new guidance on tokenized securities, making it clear that **tokenization does not alter how securities laws apply**. **Key Points:** - The SEC's guidance emphasizes that converting traditional securities into digital tokens doesn't create regulatory exemptions - This follows previous warnings to crypto firms about bypassing investor protection rules - The clarification addresses the growing trend of tokenized stocks and digital securities The guidance reinforces that regardless of the technology used, securities regulations remain in effect. This means companies issuing tokenized securities must still comply with registration requirements, disclosure obligations, and investor protection standards. This regulatory clarity comes as the SEC continues to evaluate exemptive relief requests from crypto firms seeking to offer tokenized products.

The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee is scheduled to reconsider its crypto market structure bill this Thursday. This follows the committee's release of an updated crypto market structure proposal earlier this month on January 22nd. **Key Points:** - The reconsideration represents continued legislative efforts to establish regulatory frameworks for digital assets - The committee previously released an updated version of the proposal in late January - The bill aims to provide clearer market structure guidelines for cryptocurrency regulation The Thursday session will be an important step in the ongoing process of developing comprehensive crypto legislation in the United States.

**Major institutional moves signal crypto's mainstream integration:** - **London Stock Exchange Group** launches digital settlement hub, expanding traditional finance infrastructure into blockchain-based settlement systems - **Visa** integrates stablecoin capabilities with BVNK, enabling real-time payments through digital currency rails - **Standard Chartered** plans crypto prime brokerage launch under its venture capital arm, bringing institutional-grade services to digital assets **Regulatory frameworks take shape:** - **Moldova** targets cryptocurrency regulations by 2026 - **Russia** prepares legislation to normalize crypto use domestically These developments reflect a broader trend of established financial institutions building crypto infrastructure rather than avoiding it. The focus on settlement systems, payment rails, and prime brokerage services suggests institutions are preparing for sustained digital asset integration into traditional finance.