Ghana has legalized crypto trading through the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, requiring registration with the central bank or securities regulator for all digital asset activities. The country plans to explore gold-backed stablecoins and aims to enhance its digital financial infrastructure in 2026.

The article discusses the recent surge in stablecoin transactions, reaching $1.82 trillion, and the growing non-speculative uses of these digital assets. It clarifies the types of stablecoins, distinguishes them from synthetic dollars, and highlights their potential to revolutionize international payments by reducing costs and barriers.

The passage of the GENIUS Act by the U.S. Congress marks a significant milestone for stablecoin regulation, promoting clarity and confidence in digital assets. With global frameworks like the EU's MiCA in place, Mastercard is leveraging its expertise to enhance the safe adoption and integration of stablecoins into mainstream payment systems, fostering innovation while ensuring compliance and trust.

The passing of the GENIUS Act introduces a regulatory framework for stablecoins, presenting both opportunities and challenges for banks. With major players like JPMorgan planning to launch bank-issued stablecoins, banks must adapt to maintain their relevance and protect their deposit bases from potential displacement by retail and fintech stablecoins. The Act emphasizes regulatory clarity, but also imposes compliance burdens that banks need to navigate strategically.

Digital Asset Treasury companies (DATs) are emerging as a new avenue for public market crypto exposure, drawing inspiration from MicroStrategy's approach. These companies aim to provide greater Bitcoin-per-share (BPS) ownership over time compared to direct Bitcoin purchases, capitalizing on traditional investor behavior while offering a structured supply of digital assets. The article also highlights the growing importance of stablecoins in maintaining dollar dominance and their potential role in U.S. Treasury markets amidst global economic uncertainties.