Quick Takeaways
- Crypto is just the next version of money Think of it as a digital upgrade, not a total overhaul.
- Stablecoins could make the dollar even stronger They give global access to USD with speed and stability.
- Banks shouldn’t run from crypto With smart rules, they can actually lead the way.
Waller Says Crypto Isn’t Scary, It’s the Future of Payments
If you’ve been waiting for a big name in finance to finally say it out loud, here it is: crypto isn’t a threat it’s a tool. This was made very evident by Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller in his remarks at the 2025 Wyoming Blockchain Symposium.
His message? Don’t overthink it. Crypto is just the next phase of payment tech. We’ve seen this story before. People were once terrified of credit cards, too. Now, they’re everywhere. So why treat crypto any differently?
In fact, Waller said the Fed is already exploring things like tokenized payments, smart contracts, and even AI-powered finance tools. In other words, crypto is no longer a fringe idea; it’s on the Fed’s radar in a big way.
👉 Here’s the full speech if you want to dig deeper
Stablecoins Could Make Crypto Even More Useful And the Dollar Even Stronger
Waller spent a good chunk of his speech talking about stablecoins and for good reason. They are among the most useful components of the crypto problem, in his opinion.
Why? Because they’re fast, always available, and backed by the U.S. dollar. That makes them especially useful in countries where banks are shaky or inflation is out of control. In those places, stablecoins could give people real, reliable access to the dollar instantly.
Even better, Waller said this could actually help the dollar stay strong globally. If more people use dollar-backed crypto, it just reinforces the dollar’s role as the world’s go-to currency.
He also gave a shoutout to the GENIUS Act a bill designed to bring smart regulation to stablecoin issuers. With clearer rules, crypto companies can innovate without guessing what the law says.
👉 Learn how the GENIUS Act could reshape crypto rules
Banks, Stop Fighting Crypto, Start Using It
Waller had a message for banks, too: Don’t treat crypto like the enemy. It’s just a new kind of financial tool. If you can accept card payments or wire transfers, you can handle blockchain-based ones, too.
He emphasized that the Fed has already withdrawn its advice advising banks to stay away from cryptocurrency. That’s a pretty big sign that things are changing. Banks now have room to explore and maybe even lead the next wave of digital finance.
Let’s face it: crypto isn’t going anywhere. The only real question is who’s going to figure out how to use it best.
Let Builders Build The Fed Will Have Their Back
To wrap things up, Waller said innovation in crypto should come from the builders not just the banks or the government. That means developers, startups, and creative entrepreneurs should be at the front of this movement.
But the Fed isn’t stepping away either. Waller made it clear: they would support the space with strong infrastructure and proper inspection. It’s a partnership. Private companies lead, and public institutions make sure it’s safe and sustainable.
