Digital Money and Payments 2025: Stablecoins, Tokenization and IEEE Blockchain

Jointly Hosted by: IEEE Silicon Valley Blockchain Group, IEEE Computer Society Santa Clara Chapter and Blockchain Technical Community
Zoom Meeting Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81938990931
Reservations: events.vtools.ieee.org/m/521039

Summary:
In 2025, the landscape of digital money is shifting rapidly as the GENIUS Act establishes a federal framework for payment stablecoins while U.S. CBDC efforts pause and other regions move ahead with their own digital currency projects. This event will provide a clear overview of how stablecoins, CBDCs, tokenized deposits, and new payment rails are evolving in the U.S. and globally, and what that means for technology and finance professionals. It will conclude with a session on how volunteering within the IEEE Blockchain Technical Community creates opportunities to build leadership, grow networks across industry and academia, and contribute to impactful work in the blockchain ecosystem.

Talk 1: From CBDC Freeze to Stablecoin Law: How the GENIUS Act Is Rewiring Digital Payments
Marc Lijour, Startup Founder; IEEE Canada Blockchain
Abstract: The United States has entered a new phase in the evolution of digital money. Shortly after taking office, President Trump issued an executive directive instructing federal agencies to halt work on a central bank digital currency, signaling a clear policy preference against a government-run digital dollar. In parallel, the House advanced the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act to formally restrict the Federal Reserve from creating a consumer-facing CBDC. Into this shifting landscape came the GENIUS Act, a landmark piece of legislation establishing a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. The Act clearly defines which entities may issue payment stablecoins, sets explicit expectations around 100% reserve backing in high-quality liquid assets, and introduces governance, disclosure, and supervisory requirements designed to bring stability to a rapidly growing segment of the digital asset ecosystem.
This talk explores the consequences of this legislative pivot, comparing the United States’ stablecoin-first strategy to the CBDC paths pursued by Europe, China, and Latin America. It examines rising adoption of tokenized deposits within banks and financial institutions, providing clarity on how they differ from payment stablecoins and why they are increasingly attractive for institutional settlement and wholesale financial rails. The presentation also highlights emerging payment capabilities enabled by programmable, low-cost digital dollars, including near-instant cross-border settlements and machine-to-machine micropayments. The session ultimately provides a structured view of how regulatory actions, market adoption, and infrastructure innovation are converging to define the next era of digital payments.

Talk 2: Opportunities to Make an Impact in Blockchain Through IEEE Blockchain Technical Community
Speaker: Revanth Reddy Airre, Eng @ HippocraticAI, Chair @ IEEE Silicon Valley Blockchain Group
Abstract: Blockchain and digital assets are moving quickly from experimentation to real-world use, and the IEEE Blockchain Technical Community offers a place for students and professionals to be part of this transition. Through chapter activities, technical talks, and student programs, volunteers can contribute to research conversations, practical implementations, and education while staying close to the latest developments in blockchain and Web3.
This talk shares a practitioner’s experience being involved in IEEE, from taking on leadership roles in the IEEE Silicon Valley Blockchain Group to coordinating blockchain initiatives with student clubs at top universities globally. It will describe how involving IEEE standards, organizing events, supporting student activities, and collaborating with other IEEE groups creates chances to learn, connect, and contribute. The session will highlight how volunteering steps can help build leadership skills, expand one’s network across industry and academia, and provide value back to society through knowledge sharing. The goal is to show how IEEE volunteering can be a practical and rewarding way to grow in the STEM field while helping the broader community.