CoinTalk

The debate over stablecoins has entered a new and more intense phase, as senior executives at JPMorgan Chase raise red flags over a fast-growing segment of the crypto market: yield-bearing stablecoins. While blockchain innovation continues to gain acceptance across traditional finance, concerns are mounting that certain stablecoin designs could quietly recreate banking functions without the protections that have defined the financial system for generations.

During JPMorgan’s latest earnings call, the topic surfaced as analysts questioned how large banks view the accelerating push for stablecoin adoption. The response made it clear that while Wall Street may be warming to digital assets, it is far from comfortable with every innovation emerging from the crypto ecosystem.

JPMorgan’s Core Concern: Banking Without Bank Rules

Jeremy Barnum, JPMorgan’s Chief Financial Officer, delivered one of the strongest warnings yet from a major US bank. According to Barnum, interest-bearing stablecoins pose a structural risk because they closely resemble traditional bank deposits while operating outside the established regulatory framework.

His concern centers on the idea that these assets can function like savings accounts by holding dollar-pegged value and generating yield, yet they do so without capital requirements, liquidity rules, deposit insurance, or prudential oversight. In Barnum’s view, this combination creates what he described as a  parallel banking system, one that mirrors banking services but lacks the safeguards built over centuries of financial regulation.

JPMorgan emphasized that its stance is not anti-innovation. The bank continues to support blockchain technology, tokenized assets, and regulated digital finance. What it opposes is the replication of core banking functions without equivalent responsibility or supervision.

The GENIUS Act and the Push for Guardrails

Barnum’s remarks align closely with the intent of the GENIUS Act, a proposed US legislative framework designed to impose clear boundaries on stablecoin issuance and operation. The bill aims to ensure that stablecoins remain tools for payments and settlement rather than evolving into shadow deposit products that compete directly with banks.

Lawmakers backing the bill argue that stablecoins should not offer passive interest simply for holding a token, as this would blur the line between crypto instruments and regulated deposits. Supporters believe guardrails are necessary before stablecoins reach mass adoption, particularly as institutional and retail users increasingly rely on them for dollar exposure.

Why Yield Changes Everything for Stablecoins

Stablecoins have already transformed global payments by offering near-instant settlement, 24/7 availability, and borderless access to US dollars. Their rapid growth reflects dissatisfaction with slow banking rails and limited access in many regions.

However, the introduction of yield dramatically changes their role. When stablecoins begin paying interest, they stop being mere transactional tools and start competing directly with bank deposits, money market funds, and savings accounts. This is where traditional financial institutions see a serious threat, especially at a time when bank deposit rates remain relatively low.

From the banking industry’s perspective, yield-bearing stablecoins could attract capital away from regulated institutions while avoiding the obligations that banks must meet to protect depositors and maintain systemic stability.

Congress Intensifies Scrutiny on Stablecoin Rewards

The regulatory debate is now firmly in the hands of US lawmakers. A newly amended draft of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act signals a clear intention to prevent stablecoins from functioning like interest-bearing deposits. Under the proposed language, crypto service providers would be prohibited from offering yield solely for holding a stablecoin.

At the same time, lawmakers are leaving room for innovation. Incentives linked to broader ecosystem participation, such as liquidity provision, governance involvement, or network-level activity, may still be permitted. This distinction suggests regulators are not trying to suppress crypto rewards entirely, but rather to prevent stablecoins from becoming unregulated savings products.

Market Reality: Innovation Will Not Slow Down

Despite regulatory pressure, demand for stablecoins continues to grow globally. Users value their speed, transparency, and accessibility, particularly in regions where traditional banking is expensive or unreliable. The question is no longer whether stablecoins will play a role in the future of finance, but how that role will be defined and regulated.

Crypto markets have historically adapted quickly to regulatory change, often finding compliant structures that preserve innovation while satisfying legal requirements. This evolution is already visible in the rise of regulated exchanges, licensed custodians, and compliant derivatives platforms.

Where Platforms Like BYDFi Fit Into the Picture

As the stablecoin debate intensifies, traders and investors are increasingly seeking platforms that balance innovation with responsible risk management. BYDFi has positioned itself as a crypto trading platform that embraces market evolution while offering users transparent tools for spot and derivatives trading.

Rather than relying on passive yield mechanics that face regulatory uncertainty, BYDFi focuses on empowering users through advanced trading features, deep liquidity, and access to major digital assets in a secure environment. As regulatory clarity improves, platforms that align with compliance-friendly innovation are likely to benefit the most.

For traders navigating an evolving stablecoin landscape, choosing exchanges that prioritize sustainability over short-term incentives is becoming a key strategic decision.

The Bigger Picture for Crypto and Banking

The warnings from JPMorgan highlight a broader truth about the crypto industry’s maturation. As digital assets grow closer to traditional finance, they inevitably attract the same scrutiny and responsibility. Yield-bearing stablecoins sit at the center of this transition, challenging regulators to strike a balance between innovation and systemic safety.

Whether lawmakers ultimately restrict or reshape stablecoin rewards, one thing is certain: the outcome will shape the next chapter of digital finance. For investors, traders, and platforms alike, adapting early to this reality may be the difference between long-term growth and regulatory friction.

According to on-chain data from Glassnode, public and private companies collectively added approximately 260,000 BTC to their treasuries in just half a year. During the same period, Bitcoin miners produced only around 82,000 new coins. In practical terms, corporate demand has been absorbing Bitcoin at more than three times the rate at which it is entering circulation, an unprecedented situation in Bitcoin’s history.

This aggressive accumulation has pushed total corporate-held Bitcoin from roughly 854,000 BTC to more than 1.11 million BTC. At current market prices, that increase represents close to $25 billion flowing directly into long-term storage rather than active circulation. On average, companies have been adding more than 43,000 BTC per month, a figure that dwarfs miner output and underscores how rapidly institutional exposure is expanding.

The imbalance becomes even more striking when considering Bitcoin’s fixed issuance schedule. With miners producing around 450 BTC per day after the halving, the available supply is already constrained. When large buyers consistently remove coins from the open market and place them into treasuries, the pressure on price discovery inevitably increases, especially during periods of rising investor confidence.

Strategy Dominates the Corporate Bitcoin Landscape

While many companies are now participating in Bitcoin treasury strategies, one name stands far above the rest. Michael Saylor’s Strategy controls the majority of all corporate-held Bitcoin, cementing its position as the single most influential corporate player in the market.

Strategy currently holds approximately 687,410 BTC, accounting for about 60% of all Bitcoin held by public and private companies. At current prices, this position is valued at over $65 billion, making it not only a Bitcoin proxy stock but also a key driver of market sentiment. After a brief pause, the company resumed aggressive accumulation at the start of 2026, purchasing more than 13,600 BTC in early January alone. This marked its largest acquisition since mid-2025 and reinforced its unwavering commitment to Bitcoin as a core treasury asset.

Beyond Strategy, other firms are following the same path, though at a smaller scale. MARA Holdings ranks as the second-largest corporate holder, with more than 53,000 BTC on its balance sheet. While the gap between first and second place is enormous, the broader trend is what matters: Bitcoin is increasingly being treated as a strategic reserve asset rather than a speculative trade.

ETFs Add a Second Layer of Demand Pressure

Corporate treasuries are not the only force tightening Bitcoin supply. Spot Bitcoin ETFs continue to act as a powerful demand engine, particularly in the United States. Since their launch in early 2024, ETFs have consistently absorbed more Bitcoin than miners produce, fundamentally altering the traditional supply-demand equation.

In 2025 alone, US-based spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded nearly $22 billion in net inflows, with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust leading the charge. Although the start of 2026 has been more volatile, with inflows and outflows offsetting each other, the net result remains positive. Even modest ETF demand, when combined with sustained corporate accumulation, places immense strain on available liquidity.

Market analysts argue that Bitcoin’s price has not yet fully reflected this structural shift because long-term holders have been willing to sell into demand. However, this buffer is not infinite. If ETF inflows persist and corporate treasuries continue to expand, the pool of willing sellers may gradually dry up, setting the stage for sharper price movements.

What This Means for Traders and Investors

The acceleration of corporate Bitcoin accumulation signals more than short-term bullish sentiment. It represents a fundamental change in Bitcoin’s role within global finance. When companies commit billions of dollars to BTC and remove it from circulation, volatility increasingly shifts from daily trading noise to long-term supply shocks.

For traders and investors looking to position themselves in this evolving market, access to reliable, professional-grade trading infrastructure becomes essential. Platforms like BYDFi offer a comprehensive environment for engaging with Bitcoin and the broader crypto market, combining deep liquidity, advanced trading tools, and user-friendly interfaces suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.

As institutional demand reshapes Bitcoin’s supply curve, opportunities emerge not only in holding BTC but also in strategic trading, hedging, and portfolio diversification. BYDFi enables users to participate in these market dynamics with confidence, whether through spot trading, derivatives, or risk-managed strategies designed for volatile conditions.

A New Supply Era Is Taking Shape

Bitcoin’s design was always defined by scarcity, but the current cycle is revealing how powerful that scarcity becomes when demand is dominated by entities with long investment horizons. Corporate treasuries and ETFs are absorbing Bitcoin faster than the network can replace it, quietly rewriting the rules of market equilibrium.

If this trend continues, Bitcoin’s future price movements may be driven less by hype and more by structural supply constraints. For those paying attention, the message is clear: the competition for Bitcoin is intensifying, and the window to accumulate at lower supply pressure may not remain open forever.

Whether you are in Switzerland or halfway across the world, you need a trading platform that matches this level of professionalism. Register at BYDFi today to access a secure, compliant, and high-performance trading environment for your digital assets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I have to pay tax on crypto in Switzerland?
A: Private investors generally do not pay capital gains tax. However, you must pay an annual Wealth Tax on the total value of your holdings, and crypto received as salary is taxed as income.

Q: Is mining crypto legal in Switzerland?
A: Yes, mining is legal. However, mining income is typically treated as self-employment income and is subject to income tax.

Q: What is the "Crypto Valley"?
A: It is a region centered around the canton of Zug, known for its low taxes and crypto-friendly regulations, hosting hundreds of blockchain companies and foundations.

This means the taxman is trying to read your mind. If you bought Bitcoin on the Spot market with the specific intention of selling it later for a profit, the IRD views that profit as taxable income. It doesn't matter if you held it for a week or a year; if the purpose was to flip it, you owe income tax at your standard marginal rate.

This creates a gray area that terrifies many investors. If you claim you bought it as a long-term store of value or for personal use, you might argue it’s tax-free. However, the burden of proof is often on you. If you are frequently trading, swapping altcoins, or engaging in Quick Buy transactions to catch market swings, the IRD will almost certainly classify you as a trader. In their eyes, you are running a business, and your profits are taxable income, just like a salary.

Salary and Staking: No Gray Area

While holding assets is a bit ambiguous, earning crypto is crystal clear. If you are paid in cryptocurrency—whether you are a developer receiving Ethereum or a freelancer accepting Bitcoin—that is treated exactly like regular income. The value is calculated in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) at the time of receipt, and you must pay income tax on it.

The same logic applies to mining and staking. If you are running a mining rig in your garage or staking Solana to earn yield, those rewards are considered income the moment they hit your wallet. You cannot wait until you sell them to declare the tax; the tax event happens when you receive the coin. This forces Kiwi investors to be incredibly diligent with their record-keeping, tracking the NZD price of every single staking reward payout.

The GST Victory

It isn't all complicated news, though. The New Zealand government has been quite progressive regarding Goods and Services Tax (GST).

In the early days, there was a fear of "double taxation." Imagine buying Bitcoin and paying 15% GST on the purchase, and then using that Bitcoin to buy a coffee and paying 15% GST on the coffee. That would have killed the industry instantly. Fortunately, the government stepped in. They clarified that cryptocurrencies are generally exempt from GST when they are bought or sold. This aligns New Zealand with global standards like Singapore and Australia, ensuring that the financial act of trading crypto isn't penalized with consumption taxes.

Regulation for Protection, Not Restriction

On the regulatory side, the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) keeps a watchful eye on the sector. They aren't trying to ban crypto; they are trying to stop scams.

The FMA focuses heavily on the "on-ramps"—the exchanges and brokers that let you convert NZD into crypto. They require these companies to adhere to strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) laws. This means if you want to trade safely in New Zealand, you must verify your identity. While privacy advocates might grumble, this provides a layer of safety that protects the banking system and allows Kiwis to transfer funds to crypto platforms without their bank accounts getting frozen.

Conclusion

New Zealand offers a sophisticated, albeit slightly complex, environment for crypto investors. It isn't the tax-free haven some assume it to be, but it is far from hostile. It is a jurisdiction that rewards honesty and clear intent.

For the Kiwi investor—or anyone trading under similar property-based laws—the key is access to a platform that provides clear transaction history for your records. Register at BYDFi today to trade on a platform that prioritizes security and gives you the tools to track your portfolio performance accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I pay tax on crypto in New Zealand if I just hold it?
A: Generally, no. You typically only trigger a tax event when you sell, swap, or dispose of the asset. However, you must prove you didn't buy it solely to sell for a profit.

Q: Is crypto legal in New Zealand?
A: Yes, it is fully legal. The government views it as property, and exchanges operate legally under FMA oversight.

Q: Can I pay my employees in Bitcoin in NZ?
A: Yes. The IRD has ruled that salaries can be paid in cryptocurrency, provided the crypto is pegged to a fiat currency or directly convertible to one, and taxes are deducted (PAYE) just like a normal salary.

But with regulation comes stability. You can trade with confidence knowing that the infrastructure is sound. The key is to keep immaculate records. Don't let the tax complexity scare you away from the opportunity. Register at BYDFi today to access a platform that gives you the precise trading history you need to keep the tax man happy while you grow your wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does the ATO actually know about my crypto?
A: Yes. Through the Data Matching Program, the ATO collects data from Designated Service Providers (exchanges) to identify people who have not declared their crypto income.

Q: Is crypto tax-free if I hold it for a year?
A: No, but it is tax-discounted. If you hold for more than 12 months, individual investors receive a 50% discount on the capital gains tax payable.

Q: Can I claim a tax deduction for crypto losses?
A: Yes. Capital losses can be used to offset capital gains. If you lost money on a bad trade, you can subtract that loss from your profits to lower your tax bill.

In this environment, many traders are turning to established platforms such as BYDFi, which offers deep liquidity, advanced trading tools, and robust risk management features. Unlike experimental launchpads, BYDFi provides a structured trading environment for both spot and derivatives markets, making it a preferred choice for users seeking exposure to crypto opportunities with greater stability.

What Comes Next for Pump.fun

As Pump.fun attempts to realign its ecosystem, the success of its new creator fee system will be closely watched across the industry. Whether the changes restore balance between creators and traders remains uncertain, but the message is clear: incentive design matters.

For traders navigating an evolving market landscape, combining early-stage opportunities with reliable platforms like BYDFi may prove to be the most sustainable strategy moving forward.

Omid Malekan, an adjunct professor at Columbia and a well-known crypto educator, argues that much of the resistance to stablecoin yield-sharing is rooted in misinformation deliberately pushed to protect the traditional banking model. In a recent post on X, Malekan expressed frustration that progress on crypto legislation is being slowed by what he described as  unsubstantiated myths  surrounding stablecoin economics.

The Real Fight: Who Controls Stablecoin Yield?

At the heart of the debate lies a simple but powerful question: who should benefit from the interest generated by stablecoin reserves?

Stablecoin issuers typically hold reserves in US Treasury bills and bank deposits, which generate yield. Banks and their lobbyists argue that allowing issuers or platforms to share this yield with users creates a dangerous loophole. Their fear is that consumers, attracted by passive returns of around 5%, could pull billions of dollars out of traditional savings accounts, triggering a so-called  deposit flight.

Malekan rejects this argument outright, calling it a convenient narrative designed to shield banks from competition rather than protect the financial system.

Why Stablecoins Don’t Drain Bank Deposits

One of the most persistent claims from the banking industry is that stablecoin adoption will inevitably shrink bank deposits. Malekan says this assumption ignores how the stablecoin market actually works.

Much of the demand for stablecoins comes from outside the United States. When foreign users purchase dollar-backed stablecoins, issuers are required to place reserves into US-based assets, including Treasury bills and bank deposits. Rather than draining the system, this process can inject new capital into American banks and government debt markets.

From this perspective, stablecoins are not a threat to deposits but a mechanism that can expand financial activity across borders.

Competition Isn’t the Problem — Profits Are

Another key myth, according to Malekan, is that stablecoins will cripple bank lending. In reality, stablecoins do not prevent banks from issuing loans. What they do is challenge banks’ ability to pay near-zero interest while earning substantial returns elsewhere.

Today, the average US savings account yields just over half a percent. If banks fear losing customers to yield-bearing stablecoins, Malekan argues, the solution is straightforward: pay savers more. Stablecoins introduce competition, not collapse.

Banks Are No Longer the Main Credit Engine

The argument that stablecoins could choke off credit also ignores a structural shift in the US financial system. Banks now provide only about one-fifth of total credit in the economy. The majority comes from non-bank sources such as money market funds, private credit firms, and capital markets.

These sectors could actually benefit from stablecoin adoption through faster settlement, lower transaction costs, and potentially reduced Treasury yields. Rather than weakening the system, stablecoins may enhance its efficiency.

Community Banks Aren’t the Real Victims

Much of the lobbying effort frames community and regional banks as the most vulnerable players. Malekan calls this another misleading narrative.

According to him, large money-center banks have far more to lose if stablecoins disrupt the status quo. Community banks are often used as a shield in public messaging, while the real objective is protecting the outsized profits of the largest financial institutions.

He describes the situation as an uncomfortable alliance between big banks defending their margins and certain crypto startups pitching services to smaller banks under the guise of protection.

Savers Matter Too — Not Just Borrowers

Public policy discussions often focus heavily on borrowers, but Malekan insists that savers deserve equal attention. Preventing stablecoin issuers from sharing yield effectively forces consumers to subsidize bank profits by accepting minimal returns on their money.

A healthy economy depends on both savers and borrowers. Blocking innovation that benefits savers simply to preserve existing profit structures undermines that balance.

Congress Faces a Choice: Consumers or Corporations

Malekan concludes with a clear message to lawmakers. The stablecoin yield debate should not be about preserving legacy advantages but about encouraging innovation and serving consumers.

He warns that many of the claims circulating in Washington lack empirical support and urges Congress to remain focused on progress rather than pressure from powerful lobbies.

Growing Pushback Against Banking Influence

The debate has also drawn reactions from legal and political figures. Lawyer and Senate candidate John Deaton recently reminded voters that senators are facing intense pressure from banking interests to prevent platforms like Coinbase from offering stablecoin rewards.

Deaton’s message was blunt: banks and career politicians do not necessarily act in the public’s best interest. He pointed out that restrictions on stablecoin yields could stifle innovation and limit consumer choice.

Coinbase has reportedly gone as far as warning that it may withdraw support for the CLARITY Act if lawmakers impose restrictions on stablecoin rewards beyond basic disclosure requirements — a sign of how high the stakes have become.

A Defining Moment for Crypto Regulation

As the market structure bill heads toward markup, the stablecoin yield issue may determine whether the US embraces a more competitive, consumer-focused financial system or reinforces the dominance of traditional banks.

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