[email protected] +971 561 365 987
Logo
Logo Menu

Stablecoin Exploring Digital Assets

Stablecoin could be more your pace if you are unwilling to ride the highs and lows of volatile cryptocurrencies.

Connect Us +971 561 365 987

Our experts at Finjuris will make it their mission to ensure that there are no bumps in the road to achieve your business objectives.

What are Stablecoin?

Stablecoin, as the name implies, are a category of digital assets designed to maintain a constant stable value and act as an intermediary between traditional and fiat currency and cryptocurrencies. They are issued by a private company and transmitted via blockchain technology, also known as distributed ledger technology.

How do Stablecoin function?

Stablecoin function by anchoring their market value to a reliable asset.

Stablecoin function by anchoring their market value to a reliable asset. Because their value does not vary as much as free-floating cryptocurrencies, they are more suited for use as a means of payment and a store of fortune. Stabilizing its value makes stablecoin more likely than cryptocurrencies to be utilized in regular transactions, but it's not that straightforward. One of the most pressing concerns for stablecoin is how they keep their so-called stable value - that is, the processes by which these pegs are managed, and the value is supported by actual value.

Because their value is not connected to a commodity or algorithm, they frequently experience enormous price fluctuations. Digital equivalents of paper money produced by a country's central bank are known as central bank digital currencies. NFTs are not currencies; instead, they are often digital products like as digital art, collectibles, or other types of unique digital representations.

Our team of experts provide you with every detail required to make your venture operate smoothly. We take over the legal aspect while you can focus on running your business.

Stablecoin are Different from Other Assets

A digital asset is any of the several digital currencies and tokens that reflect monetary worth or contractual rights. Private cryptocurrencies, central bank digital currencies, and non-fungible tokens, sometimes known as NFTs, are examples of digital assets in addition to stablecoin. The most popular cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, are known as free-floating crypto, and their value is determined by the supply and market demand for the asset.

Features of Stablecoin

There are different types of stablecoin, and their specific features may vary, but here are some common features of stablecoin:

Price Stability

The primary feature of a stablecoin is its price stability. It aims to minimize the price volatility associated with other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum. The value of a stablecoin is typically designed to remain relatively constant, often at or near a 1:1 peg to a specific asset.

Pegging Mechanism

Stablecoin achieve price stability through various mechanisms, such as backing by fiat currency, cryptocurrencies, commodities, or algorithms. The specific pegging mechanism can vary and affects the stability of the coin.

Transparency

Many stablecoin projects emphasize transparency by regularly disclosing information about their reserves, collateral, and the mechanisms they use to maintain stability. This transparency helps build trust among users.

Redemption and Issuance

Users can typically buy or redeem stablecoin directly from the issuer or through approved intermediaries. This ensures that the stablecoin's value remains close to the peg.

Decentralization

Some stablecoin are built on blockchain platforms, making them decentralized and resistant to censorship. Others may be centralized, which means they are operated by a centralized entity, like a company or a government.

Smart Contracts

Some stablecoin leverage smart contracts to automate certain functions, such as the issuance and redemption of coins, to maintain the peg.

Interoperability

Stablecoin are often designed to be interoperable with various blockchain platforms and can be used in decentralized applications, decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, and more.

Accessibility

Stablecoin are accessible to a wide range of users, providing an easy entry and exit point to the crypto ecosystem. They are commonly used for trading, remittances, and as a store of value.

Low Transaction Costs

Stablecoin often offer low transaction costs, making them suitable for everyday transactions and international money transfers.

Regulatory Compliance

Stablecoin issued by reputable projects tend to comply with relevant regulations, including anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) requirements.

Audits and Security

Many stablecoin projects undergo regular audits of their reserves and security protocols to ensure that the assets backing the stablecoin are secure and the system is resilient to attacks.

Choice of Peg Asset

Stablecoin can be pegged to various assets, including fiat currencies (e.g., US Dollar, Euro), commodities (e.g., gold), or even other cryptocurrencies. The choice of the peg asset can affect the stability and use cases of the stablecoin.

Permissioned or Permissionless

Stablecoin can be permissioned, meaning they require approval to access, or permissionless, which allows anyone to use them. The choice often depends on the project's goals and the level of decentralization.

Automatic Stabilization Mechanisms

Some stablecoin use automatic mechanisms to expand or contract the coin supply based on market demand, helping to maintain the peg.

Scalability

The underlying blockchain technology of stablecoin may impact their scalability. Some stablecoin are built on blockchains that can handle a high volume of transactions, while others may have limitations.

Keep in mind that not all stablecoin have the same features, and new innovations in the space are continuously emerging. Before using or investing in a stablecoin, it's essential to understand the specific features and mechanisms of the stablecoin you are interested in, as they can vary significantly from one project to another.

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and its new Stablecoin Standards

The Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority of Dubai has modified its Virtual Asset Issuance Rulebook, making it permissible to issue fiat-referenced tokens, often known as stablecoin, in the Emirate of Dubai.

Fiat-Referenced Virtual Asset is a virtual asset that aims to keep a stable value relative to one or more fiat currencies. It’s not a legal tender in any jurisdiction, and it’s not issued or guaranteed by any jurisdiction.

  • Category 1: FRVA, which requires obtaining VARA’s License.
  • Category 2: Tokens that do not constitute FRVA but have certain characteristics that require VARA’s Approval.
  • Other Virtual Assets: Tokens that fall outside Category 1 or Category 2 still must comply with all rules related to VA issuance.

Fiat currency approved by VARA.

VARA prohibits using currencies from countries or territories under federal AML-CFT sanctions as a Reference currency.

VARA won’t approve any stablecoin pegged to the UAE currency (AED). Such assets will be exclusively regulated by the Central Bank of UAE.

FRVA issuers shall always maintain their own capital equivalent to 1) AED 600,000 and 2) 2% of the value of the outstanding supply of the FRVA.

How Can Finjuris Assist Businesses in the Digital Asset Industry to Navigate Through Stablecoin?

Legal Compliance and Regulatory Analysis

Our lawyers perform a detailed examination of the regulatory landscape in the jurisdiction in which the firm intends to operate. They can discover applicable rules and regulations that may apply to stablecoin initiatives, such as securities, anti-money laundering, and consumer protection legislation.

Licensing and Registration

Depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the stablecoin, our lawyers advise on whether the project requires licensing or registration with regulatory authorities, such as financial regulators or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Structuring and Documentation

To safeguard the firm and users, our expertise help companies establish the suitable legal entity structure for their stablecoin projects and develop detailed terms and conditions for the stablecoin, including user agreements and privacy policies.

Compliance with Securities Laws (Token Classification)

Determining whether the stablecoin could be classified as a security and advising on compliance with securities laws, including registration or exemption requirements.

AML/KYC Policies

Developing AML and KYC policies to ensure compliance with regulations related to money laundering and customer identification.

Smart Contract Audits

Reviewing and auditing the code of the stablecoin's smart contracts to ensure security, accuracy, and legal compliance.

Data Protection Compliance

Ensuring that the project complies with data privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Frequently Asked Questions

Stablecoin in circulation today are not tightly regulated. The majority of global financial authorities are actively examining regulation of stablecoin and the larger crypto asset ecosystem. If you wish to know more about the regulatory requirements of a specific jurisdiction, our professionals would be at your assistance.
Some regulators dismiss the name "stablecoin" because it promotes the assumption that the assets' prices do not change, which might mislead consumers and investors. Rather, authorities refer to these coins as "so-called stablecoin," because the value of these coins is ultimately determined by the structure and design of its backing and governance systems. To be truly stable, the issuer must make an enforceable commitment to issue and buy back the stablecoin at the current value of the asset to which it is pegged, as well as to hold assets backing the stablecoin in circulation as collateral, allowing them to be redeemed at any time. Regulators are concerned about the danger they may represent to customers or markets in general if they are not appropriately collateralized.
Collateralization means that a stablecoin issuer has adequate reserves put aside — for example, US dollars or gold — in case a large number of its clients opt to redeem their stablecoin for fiat. It's similar to a bank having enough cash on hand in the event that the bank is run by its consumers. Traditional banks are subject to severe cash-holding regulations in order to satisfy consumer redemption expectations. Collateralization is essential. It guarantees the ability to redeem a stablecoin at any moment.

Need to know more about launching your stablecoin? Get in touch with us today.

Contact Us

connect with our associate

Complete the form below and we will contact you to discuss your project. Your information will be kept confidential.

+971 561 365 987