Paul Ryan Advocates Dollar-Backed Stablecoins to Boost U.S. Debt and Financial Credibility

• Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan has urged U.S. lawmakers to advocate for dollar-backed stablecoins to enhance the attractiveness of U.S. debt.
• Ryan emphasizes the importance of establishing a solid, predictable regulatory framework for stablecoins in Congress.
• He believes embracing stablecoins can prevent a failed debt auction and improve U.S. financial credibility.

Paul Ryan advocates for dollar-backed stablecoins to strengthen U.S. debt appeal and financial credibility. Detailed insights inside.

Paul Ryan’s Call to Action for Dollar-Backed Stablecoins

Paul Ryan, the former Speaker of the House, strongly supports promoting dollar-backed stablecoins to make U.S. debt more attractive in the global market. In his recent Wall Street Journal opinion piece, he highlights that adopting stablecoins could avoid a disastrous scenario of a failed debt auction, which would severely disrupt financial markets and damage the credibility of U.S. financial commitments.

The Need for a Robust Regulatory Framework

Ryan, who retired in 2019 and now serves on the Policy Council of Paradigm, stresses the urgency of establishing a strong and predictable regulatory framework for stablecoins. He articulates that such regulation would make U.S. debt investments more appealing, especially as global powers like China seek alternatives to U.S. Treasury debt by expanding the reach of their currencies.

The Global Context: Competing with China’s Digital Currency

In his argument, Paul Ryan points to China’s significant advancements with its e-yuan central bank digital currency. Although HSBC China has become the first foreign bank to offer services using the e-yuan, the currency is still struggling to achieve broad adoption. Ryan warns against complacency, emphasizing that the U.S. must not fall behind as China explores digital currency options for international payments outside the dollar-based system.

Differentiating Stablecoins from Central Bank Digital Currencies

Ryan details the differences between dollar-backed stablecoins and central bank digital currencies such as China’s e-yuan. He states that stablecoins, which are issued on public, permissionless blockchains, align more closely with American values of freedom and openness. His argument suggests that adopting stablecoins could provide a competitive edge without the risks associated with central bank digital currencies.

Conclusion

Paul Ryan’s advocacy for dollar-backed stablecoins represents a strategic move to strengthen the U.S. financial system. By implementing a clear regulatory framework, the U.S. can enhance its financial credibility and appeal to international investors amidst growing global competition. Adopting stablecoins not only fortifies U.S. debt attractiveness but also aligns with core American principles, presenting a forward-thinking approach for future financial stability.