Banking Lobby Holds Stablecoin Yield Rules Hostage to Deposit Flight
MB
Maeve Blackwood
stablecoin US legislation · Apr 17, 2026
Source: DojiDoji Data Terminal
Stablecoin holders may be barred from earning annual percentage yield on idle balances as U.S. banks push to prevent deposits from fleeing traditional financial institutions. Senator Thom Tillis has delayed the release of legislative language on stablecoin returns within the Clarity Act, citing the need for further coordination with the banking industry and cryptocurrency firms.
The dispute centers on a gap left by the Genius Act, which banned stablecoin issuers from directly paying interest but failed to restrict returns provided through third-party platforms such as exchanges. Banks argue that closing this gap by allowing stablecoin interest would disrupt the financial system by drawing funds away from bank deposits. Cryptocurrency firms, including Coinbase, argue that banning rewards on idle balances stifles innovation.
The current draft of the Clarity Act maintains a ban on rewards for idle balances while permitting returns tied to specific activities, such as transactions. Senator Tillis and Senator Angela Alsobrooks are coordinating the wording to resolve these conflicting positions. The final language will determine if stablecoin holders can receive APY on idle balances.
stablecoin US legislationstablecoin regulationcrypto money laundering enforcementcrypto IRS ruling
The Ledger Morning
The essential intelligence to start your trading day. Delivered 6:00 AM EST.
Join 50,000+ professionals who start their day with The Digital Ledger.