Wyoming's Stablecoin Billed as Yield-Bearing Alternative to CBDC Control
Wyoming is set to become the first U.S. state to launch its own stablecoin, the Wyoming Stable Token (WYST), expected to debut in August 2025. Designed as a yield-bearing alternative, this state-issued token aims to resist federal control and block requests for on-chain fund seizures. Initially, WYST will not offer yield, but lawmakers, including State Senator Chris Rothfuss, envision enabling this feature in the future to support the state's school system. The recent passage of the GENIUS Act will provide a regulatory framework for stablecoins, but critics worry it may facilitate a central bank digital currency (CBDC) system. However, WYST will be financed by U.S. Treasuries, distinguishing it from traditional CBDCs. The project, backed by a commitment to upholding constitutional protections, seeks to prevent potential misuse while ensuring Wyoming's regulatory sovereignty. WYST will undergo a pilot program using an Avalanche-based protocol and may pave the way for other states to explore similar initiatives while maintaining their individual philosophies.
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