Sonic Labs To Abandon Plans For Algorithmic USD Stablecoin, Here’s Why

As the US marches toward stablecoin regulation, Sonic Labs is ditching plans to launch an algorithmic USD stablecoin.
By Aliyu Pokima
Sonic Labs To Abandon Plans For Algorithmic USD Stablecoin, Here's Why

Highlights

  • Sonic Labs is abandoning its algorithmic stablecoin plans.
  • Sonic Labs co-founder disclosed that the change in stance follows incoming stablecoin regulation in the US.
  • Both the GENIUS and STABLE ACT are averse to algorithmic stablecoins.

Barely a week after hinting at launching an algorithmic USD stablecoin, Sonic Labs is shuttering its plans. Sonic Labs co-founder Andre Cronje revealed that incoming stablecoin regulation in the US contributes to the change of stance.

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Sonic Labs Makes U-Turn Over Algorithmic USD Stablecoin

In mid-March, Sonic Labs disclosed plans for a yield-generating algorithmic stablecoin for its blockchain. However, new developments in the US regulatory landscape are forcing the company to ditch its algorithmic stablecoin ambitions.

Sonic Labs co-founder Andre Cronje confirmed the change in direction via an X post following the release of the full draft of the STABLE Act by Congress for clearer oversight. According to the text, lawmakers are pushing for a two-year moratorium on algorithmic stablecoin, souring Sonic Labs plans.

Unlike mainstream stablecoins backed by fiat or other commodities, algorithmic stablecoins rely on smart contracts to maintain their peg. The 2022 implosion of Terra’s ecosystem following the de-pegging of its TerraUSD (UST) algorithmic stablecoin stunned regulators.

“We will no longer be releasing a USD-based algorithmic stablecoin,” said Cronje.

In a light-hearted note, community members teased potential strategies for Sonic Labs to sidestep incoming stablecoin regulation. Apart from the loophole of launching the algorithmic stablecoin before the regulation goes live, Cronje teased an algorithmic dirham that will be denominated in USD.

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Industry Players Are Bracing For New Stablecoin Regulations

Stablecoin issuers are steeling themselves for incoming stablecoin regulations in the US. While the GENIUS Act and STABLE Act continue to inch forward, there are common denominators in both bills.

For starters, there is the requirement for equivalent reserves at a 1:1 ratio with both bills steering clear of algorithmic stablecoins. The White House is favoring the GENIUS Act over the STABLE Act as lobbyists rally to stifle the possibility of a Conference Committee.

Authorities are targeting stablecoin regulation to reach Trump in two months as issuers jostle for position. Tether, Circle, and Ripple are staking their claims to lead the US government’s ambitions to rely on stablecoins to maintain the dollar’s dominance.

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Aliyu Pokima
Aliyu Pokima is a seasoned cryptocurrency and emerging technologies journalist with a knack for covering needle-moving stories in the space. Aliyu delivers breaking news stories, regulatory updates, and insightful analysis with depth and precision. When he's not poring over charts or following leads, Aliyu enjoys playing the bass guitar, lifting weights and running marathons.
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