As the Senate stands poised to pass a landmark bill establishing rules for stablecoin issuers, a provision allowing state-chartered uninsured banks to operate in states without prior approval is drawing concern from observers and opposition from state regulators.

The retail giants are kicking the tires on their own currencies. The potential prize is a way to reimagine prepaid cards and gain a key position as new forms of artificial intelligence-powered payments take off.

As the crypto-friendly GENIUS Act winds its way through Congress, executives at some of the nation's largest banks are showing a newfound enthusiasm for stablecoins.

The card, powered by fintech Cardless' embedded credit card platform, provides up to 4% cash back in bitcoin, and allows customers to service their account directly in the cryptocurrency exchange's app, similar to the way Apple Card works in Apple Wallet.

The French institution is one of the first to take advantage of new regulations that are supportive of crypto. Payment experts say banks have work to do to beat existing stablecoins.

Pro-crypto regulations could draw U.S. banks into the market, providing fresh competition. CEO Paolo Ardoino spoke with American Banker about the digital asset firm's strategy.

In an interview with American Banker following Circle's IPO debut, President Heath Tarbert discussed the stablecoin issuer's go-public timing, the importance of regulation and transparency and how the fintech sees itself working with banks.

The National Conference of State Legislatures asked that leading lawmakers strike a provision in the Senate stablecoin bill that they say would preempt state authority to bar state-chartered special purpose depository institutions from operating in their state.

Speakers at American Banker's Digital Banking Conference discussed financial technology trends including digital assets, cybersecurity and open banking.

The stablecoin issuer's initial public offering is widely seen as a bellwether for the cryptocurrency industry at large. Circle's stock traded as high as $95.98 midday Thursday, nearly triple its $31-a-share pricing.