Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Crypto Goes Mainstream: How Retail Giants and Legislation Are Transforming Digital Payments

Share

First, slowly but surely, cryptocurrency moved from being an underground movement to mainstream recognition. For years, crypto was shrouded in secrecy, dismissed by elites in Washington and media outlets alike. Then came the market surges, political support, and legislation like the GENIUS Act, propelling crypto into the spotlight. Today, crypto is everywhere—and the latest developments prove it.

This week, major retail giants Amazon and Walmart—household names—are contemplating launching their own stablecoins. Yes, you read that right. According to the Wall Street Journal, these retail powerhouses are eager to cut out the middlemen like VISA and Mastercard, opting instead to use their own blockchain-based tokens for transactions. Their goal? Simplify payments, reduce fees, and take control of their financial dealings.

The passage of the GENIUS Act, which now seems almost certain after a favorable Senate vote, is fueling this momentum. This legislation could revolutionize how big corporations approach digital currencies.

But the stablecoin craze isn’t limited to retail giants. European financial heavyweight Societe Generale announced its own stablecoin on Ethereum and Solana networks. Meanwhile, Jack Ma’s Ant Group has applied for stablecoin licenses in Hong Kong and Singapore. The global rush toward stablecoins is undeniable, and for good reason.

Dollar-pegged stablecoins offer a superior form of money—enabling faster settlement times and lower fees, especially in cross-border transactions. They are transforming the way we think about money, making international payments smoother and more efficient.

Legislative progress continues in Congress as well. The market structure bill, known as CLARITY, has advanced through key House committees. If enacted, it would establish vital guardrails for crypto firms, clarifying securities laws and defining the roles of the SEC and CFTC.

The market responded positively to these legislative developments, with several new initiatives announced around Bitcoin and digital asset treasuries. For instance, crypto influencer and investor Anthony Pompliano is leading a new $750 million fund dedicated to digital assets.

If all this doesn’t impress you, perhaps crypto isn’t your thing. But renowned investor Paul Tudor Jones believes otherwise. He argues that Bitcoin deserves a place in every investor’s portfolio, emphasizing its potential as a store of value in the modern economy.

The message is clear: cryptocurrency is no longer on the fringes. It’s becoming an integral part of mainstream finance, with powerful companies and forward-thinking legislation paving the way for a new era of digital money.

Read more

Local News