US Proposes Adjusting Stablecoin Accounting Rules, Qualifying Tokens Could Be Classified as Cash Equivalents

Odaily reports: Blockchain project Tempo has released a report stating that the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) is proposing to adjust stablecoin accounting rules, allowing qualifying tokens to be classified as cash equivalents on corporate balance sheets, potentially reducing accounting barriers to corporate stablecoin adoption.

Under current accounting practices, stablecoins—even when fully backed by U.S. dollars—may not qualify for inclusion in a company's reported cash reserves, thereby affecting liquidity ratios and loan covenants. The proposed rules would allow companies to use stablecoins for payments and settlements, but would require them to have direct redemption rights against the issuer.

Purchasing USDC through an exchange may not necessarily qualify for cash equivalent recognition. In its 2025 annual report, Coinbase classified USDC and other payment-type stablecoins as cash equivalents, based on its redemption arrangement with Circle.

The public comment period for the FASB's proposed rules will run until November 19, after which the board will review feedback and determine the final accounting changes and effective date. The proposal comes as the market size of USD stablecoins has surpassed $300 billion. (Cointelegraph)