Canada has announced plans to introduce new legislation that will regulate fiat-pegged stablecoins as part of its 2025 federal budget. The government aims to create a framework that ensures these digital assets are safe for both consumers and businesses while promoting innovation in the financial sector.
According to the budget document, the upcoming legislation will require stablecoin issuers to maintain adequate reserves, establish redemption policies, and implement effective risk management systems. Additionally, issuers must safeguard user information to enhance trust and accountability within the digital asset ecosystem.
The framework will introduce national security measures designed to preserve the integrity of Canada’s financial system. This move reflects the government’s growing focus on ensuring stability in the evolving digital payments landscape.
Regulatory Framework and Implementation Plan
The Bank of Canada will retain $10 million from its Consolidated Revenue Fund remittances over two years starting in 2026–27 to administer the new regulations. Subsequently, annual administrative costs estimated at $5 million will be financed through fees collected from regulated stablecoin issuers.
The government is preparing amendments to the Retail Payment Activities Act to include oversight of payment service providers using stablecoins. These updates will ensure comprehensive monitoring of entities operating within the digital payment ecosystem.
Discussions between the Department of Finance Canada, industry participants, and regulators have intensified in recent weeks. These talks have focused on classifying stablecoins and mitigating the risk of capital flight toward U.S. dollar-backed tokens. The budget paper did not reveal conclusions from these discussions.
Global Trend Toward Stablecoin Regulation
Canada’s regulatory move aligns with a global trend following the United States’ passage of the GENIUS Stablecoin Act in July. That law, strongly supported by President Donald Trump, outlined key rules for dollar-backed cryptocurrencies. Similarly, the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation and ongoing efforts in Japan and South Korea highlight a worldwide shift toward standardized oversight.
As of November 4, the total global supply of stablecoins stood at approximately $291 billion, largely dominated by U.S. dollar tokens. Standard Chartered projects that up to $1 trillion could flow from emerging market deposits into U.S. stablecoins by 2028.
With these developments, Canada joins major economies in shaping the future of digital finance through structured, transparent, and secure regulatory measures.