Société Générale introduces euro-backed stablecoin

Posted by Lea Hogg Posted: Dec 12, 2023

Société Générale (NASDAQ: SCGLY) has become the first major regulated banking institution to launch a stablecoin designed for widespread use. Named EUR CoinVertible (EURCV), this novel stablecoin has made its debut on the European digital asset exchange Bitstamp, marking a significant milestone into the growing stablecoin market.

Addressing challenge

EURCV aims to tackle two primary challenges prevalent in the stablecoin market. Firstly, it seeks to diversify the market, which is currently dominated by U.S. dollar-denominated stablecoins such as Tether’s USDT, Circle’s USDC, and MakerDAO’s DAI. These three giants constitute 94 percent of the US$128 billion stablecoin market cap. Société Générale’s Jean-Marc Stenger emphasizes the need for a euro-backed stablecoin, believing that the market demands increased diversity beyond the U.S. dollar-centric landscape.

Compliant and future-ready

A key differentiator for EURCV is its strict adherence to regulatory standards. In an era where compliance is gaining paramount importance, Société Générale ensures that EURCV is built with Europe’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework in mind. As the MiCA framework is set to come into effect in 2024, Jean-Marc Stenger, head of Société Générale Forge, highlights the currency’s compliance, asserting that “very few stablecoins are compliant with MiCA.” This commitment to regulatory standards positions EURCV as a trustworthy and compliant option in contrast to stablecoins associated with projects facing regulatory uncertainties.

Widespread use

Société Générale’s move distinguishes itself from previous banking stablecoin initiatives, such as JPMorgan’s JPM Coin, by making EURCV accessible to a broader audience on a public exchange. The bank’s vision extends beyond the digital asset ecosystem, as EURCV aims to disrupt various sectors, including digital bonds.

The recent investment by Axa Investment Managers in a digital green bond using EURCV exemplifies stablecoin’s potential impact beyond the cryptocurrency sphere. Société Générale’s strategic foray into stablecoin innovation opens new possibilities for businesses and investors seeking a reliable and compliant digital asset option in the evolving financial landscape.