The US Federal Reserve System has officially included cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and AI payments in the agenda of its conference for the first time. During the speeches, representatives of the regulator and the industry stated that the central bank must become an active participant in the “revolution in payments” and adapt its infrastructure to the digital economy.
The Central Bank Prepares for a New Payment Era
Speaking at the Payments Innovation Conference in Washington, a member of the Fed’s Board of Governors said that the agency intends to actively participate in the transformation of financial settlements. He instructed experts to study the “payment account” model—a simplified version of a bank account that could give companies direct access to the Fed’s payment system.
This is about finding ways to combine new digital technologies with the traditional banking system. According to the Fed representative, the competitiveness of the US in the global financial infrastructure will depend on this.
The conference became the first in the Fed’s history where cryptocurrencies and tokenized payments were discussed at an official level. Experts called this event a turning point—an acknowledgment that further development of payments is impossible without crypto-innovations.
Market Participants Demand System Updates
The discussion focused on the need to modernize payment rails and develop clear rules for cryptocurrencies. Participants of the stablecoin panel—representatives of leading fintech companies, banks, and blockchain platforms—emphasized that the Fed’s infrastructure must become more flexible and compatible with digital assets.
According to the co-founder of one of the largest blockchain projects, the payment system must learn to interact with stablecoins and tokenized deposits. He noted that this is “the purchasing side of the digital economy” and that implementing risk models will allow the US to maintain leadership in global settlements.
The head of one innovative bank warned against the hasty integration of technologies without a proper level of protection. She emphasized that the growth of fraud using AI and deepfakes could undermine trust in financial systems if the Fed does not create a reliable cybersecurity framework.
Other participants pointed to risks for credit markets: in their opinion, the spread of stablecoins could change traditional mechanisms of monetary policy. Representatives of major banks added that regulators need to focus on 24/7 settlements, liquidity standards, and mechanisms for redeeming digital assets.
How to Connect Banks and Crypto Infrastructure
The main challenge for the Fed, according to participants, is the problem of system compatibility. Existing payment networks remain fragmented, hindering the integration of crypto tools. Experts proposed a hybrid model that would combine current banking standards with elements of digital infrastructure. In their estimation, such a system could be operational within five years.
Representatives of the fintech sector also noted that most banks are not ready to work with cryptocurrencies: they lack wallets, gateways, and technological solutions for accepting and withdrawing digital assets. Despite the development of KYC systems for large clients, retail users’ access to new tools remains limited.
At the same time, experts are confident that the stablecoin ecosystem will continue to grow naturally—thanks to demand from businesses and consumers, not due to regulators’ efforts.
What’s Next?
The Fed seems to recognize the need for technological transformation. The conference confirmed that cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and artificial intelligence will become an integral part of the future US financial system. The next step may be the creation of a legal framework that will allow traditional banks and digital companies to operate on equal terms.
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