Working Paper

Global Stablecoins: Monetary Policy Implementation Considerations from the U.S. Perspective

Abstract: This note explores the potential effects of the widespread adoption of a global stablecoin (GSC) on key aggregate financial sector balance sheets in the United States. To do this, we map out cash flows of GSC transactions among financial sector entities using a stylized set of 't-accounts'. By analyzing these individual transactions, we infer aggregate and compositional effects on U.S. commercial banking sector and Federal Reserve balance sheets. Through this lens, we also consider how these balance sheet changes could affect monetary policy implementation, the demand for central bank reserves, and the market for U.S. dollar safe assets.

Keywords: Monetary policy; Banks; Fintech; Stablecoins;

JEL Classification: E40; E50; G21;

https://doi.org/10.17016/FEDS.2021.020

Bibliographic Information

Provider: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.)

Part of Series: Finance and Economics Discussion Series

Publication Date: 2021-03-22

Number: 2021-020