Walmart and Amazon Explore Stablecoin Launch Amid GENIUS Act Progress

Walmart and Amazon are quietly advancing plans to issue corporate stablecoins as the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on the GENIUS Act (S.394), legislation that would establish federal oversight for private digital dollars. The bill, which cleared committee and cloture, mandates 100% reserve backing and monthly disclosures for payment stablecoins.

The retail giants estimate $14 billion in annual savings by reducing card processing fees through proprietary stablecoins. Internal teams are evaluating technology partners, though neither company has filed formal applications. Amazon stands to gain particularly significant EBITDA improvements given its payment volume.

Senator Bill Hagerty''s GENIUS Act provides regulatory clarity at a pivotal moment. The legislation''s reserve requirements and consumer protections could accelerate institutional adoption of blockchain-based payment solutions.