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PwC, a Big Four accounting firm, is accelerating its cryptocurrency involvement by expanding audit, compliance, and advisory services, emphasizing stablecoins.
This follows the GENIUS Act's passage in July 2025, establishing a regulatory framework for USD-backed stablecoins, amid broader U.S. crypto shifts under the Trump administration.
PwC U.S. senior partner Paul Griggs noted reduced uncertainty allows the firm to engage actively in digital assets.
The expansion focuses on stablecoins for payment efficiency and supports institutional adoption of tokenized assets. PwC aligns with projections of tokenized assets (bonds, real estate, private credit), reaching $5-10 trillion by 2030.
This positions PwC to serve exchanges, issuers, startups, and traditional firms.
Key Takeaways
- PwC expands crypto audits targeting stablecoin reserves under GENIUS Act rules.
- Stablecoin regulations boost payment efficiency for cross-border treasury operations.
- Tokenization advisory grows as $5-10T asset market emerges by 2030.
- Institutional adoption accelerates with 1:1 reserve requirements enhancing trust.
- PwC builds blockchain teams for compliance and risk management in digital assets.
Regulatory Landscape Driving Change
The GENIUS Act was signed by President Donald Trump on July 18, 2025. Introduced by Senator Bill Hagerty in May 2025 as bipartisan legislation, it creates the first federal framework for payment stablecoins.
Provisions mandate 1:1 reserves in low-risk assets like dollars, Treasuries, or equivalents, with monthly public reserve disclosures. It requires capital, liquidity, and risk standards, aligning state-federal oversight for consumer protection and systemic stability.
The act tackles past issues like reserve shortfalls and opacity, which hindered institutions. Paired with a supportive SEC under Trump, it builds corporate confidence.
Griggs emphasized the GENIUS Act enhances stablecoin credibility as infrastructure. Executive orders positioning the U.S. as a "crypto capital" speed the transition from caution to participation.
PwC's Strategic Pivot
PwC approached crypto warily due to regulatory vagueness impacting audits and risks. Now, with clarity, it builds specialized teams in blockchain, digital asset accounting, and regulations.
Griggs highlighted competency growth via hires and partnerships over the past year, expecting demand as capital enters blockchain.
Tokenization (converting assets to blockchain tokens) is a core focus, needing advice on governance, accounting, cybersecurity, and compliance.
Enhanced Services and Focus Areas
PwC's offerings include stablecoin reserve audits, compliance checks, custody controls, cybersecurity, and regulatory advice. Emphasis is on treasury uses like cross-border payments, offering faster, cheaper settlements versus traditional systems with intermediaries and FX costs.
Treasurers benefit from USD payouts in markets with controls or inflation, enabling real-time liquidity and centralized management. Contractor and payroll in global remote areas cut delays and fees via digital wallets. PwC guides enterprise integration, handling reconciliation, risks, and multi-jurisdictional compliance.
Recommendations include low-risk pilots in inefficient areas, regulated partners, and tracking GENIUS Act alongside EU's MiCA.
Institutional Adoption and Market Trends
Stablecoins grow from niche to programmable payments, driving institutional surges.
- Corporates pilot supplier payments, liquidity shifts, and yield strategies, optimizing capital.
- Tokenization cuts settlement times, boosts transparency, and automates compliance for funds and cash flows.
Challenges persist: system compatibility, cross-border rules, bank links. PwC views inaction costs higher than risks, positioning as a bridge to governments and central banks.
Conclusion
PwC leverages GENIUS Act clarity for targeted stablecoin and tokenization services, aiding efficient payments and institutional expansion.
Businesses should evaluate adoption readiness to take advantage of opportunities.
Read Next:
- 2025 Stablecoin Year-End Report
- 2025 Stablecoin Spending Report
- Who Is Winning the Stablecoin Infrastructure Race?
FAQs:
1. What is the GENIUS Act?
The GENIUS Act is a 2025 U.S. law regulating stablecoins, requiring 1:1 low-risk asset backing and monthly reserve disclosures.
2. How does PwC's expansion focus on stablecoins?
PwC enhances audits, advisory, and compliance for stablecoin issuers, emphasizing payment efficiency and treasury use cases like cross-border transfers.
3. What drives institutional crypto adoption?
Clearer regulations like the GENIUS Act reduce risks, enabling tokenization of assets and stablecoin integration for faster settlements.
4. What services does PwC offer in crypto?
Services include digital asset accounting, custody controls, cybersecurity, regulatory advisory, and blockchain risk frameworks.
5. What are stablecoin use cases for businesses?
Businesses use stablecoins for contractor payouts, payroll in emerging markets, and liquidity management to cut fees and delays.
Disclaimer:
This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice; no material herein should be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument, and readers should conduct their own independent research or consult a qualified professional.
