Fed Chairman Jerome Powell believes that digital dollar will eliminate the need for other cryptocurrencies.

While addressing the United States House of Representatives Financial Services Committee, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said that he believes that a digital dollar would eliminate the need for other digital currencies. The Fed chairman presented this as a reason for the U.S Central Bank to issue a digital currency. Central banks across countries are exploring digital currencies to ward off competition from decentralized and private cryptocurrencies. 

“A digital dollar would eliminate the need for other digital currencies.”

When asked if a central bank-issued digital currency would be a more viable option to cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, Jerome Powell responded, “I think that may be the case, and I think that’s one of the arguments that are offered in favor of digital currency. That, in particular, you wouldn’t need stablecoins, you wouldn’t need cryptocurrencies if you had a digital U.S. currency – I think that’s one of the stronger arguments in its favor.” The Fed chairman also revealed that the Federal Reserve would soon release a paper discussing the potential merits and demerits of a CBDC. 

There is a need for stricter regulation for stablecoins. 

Speaking on stablecoins, Jerome Powell stressed that if they are to be part of the payment system, there is a need for strict regulation. Tether, currently the most valuable stablecoin and third-largest cryptocurrency by market value, was brought up by Rep. Anthony Gonzalez. It had previously been asserted that a single dollar-backed each coin. It has since been revealed that Tether is backed largely by commercial paper or debts. Fed chairman likened stablecoins to bank deposits and money market funds, adding that they needed to be treated as such.