#USOCCIssuesNewStablecoinRules

OCC’s Strategic Regulatory Move for Stablecoins
​In an era of rapid evolution in financial technology, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has taken a significant step toward the comprehensive regulation of stablecoins. Through a proposed rule published on February 25, 2026, the OCC introduced a framework to implement the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U S Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act. This development aims to minimize systemic risks while strengthening the integration of digital assets into the traditional financial system.
​The GENIUS Act and Supervisory Expansion
​Following its enactment in July 2025, the GENIUS Act expanded the OCC’s supervisory authority over stablecoin issuers. The new proposal applies to OCC-supervised institutions, including national banks, federal savings associations, and foreign stablecoin issuers. The primary focus areas include issuance, custody, operational standards, and risk management.
​Specifically, reserve asset requirements have been detailed to safeguard the value of stablecoins pegged to fiat currency. The proposal suggests that issuers must maintain liquid reserves and meet a minimum capital requirement of $5 million. This approach reflects a sophisticated regulatory perspective aimed at fostering innovation while preventing potential financial instability.
​Structural Restrictions and Risk Management
​The proposal also formalizes the statutory provision prohibiting interest or yield payments on stablecoins. This restriction is designed to protect traditional deposit flows and may limit white-label brand issuances by stablecoin-as-a-service platforms. During a Senate Banking Committee hearing, OCC official Jonathan Gould noted that these measures are intended to mitigate deposit flight.
​Furthermore, redemption mechanisms are being strengthened to ensure that stablecoin holders can reclaim their funds quickly and securely. From a risk management standpoint, issuers are now required to provide board-level anti-money laundering certifications, ensuring accountability at the highest corporate tiers.
​Industry Response and Future Outlook
​This regulation is seen as a supportive move for the growth of the stablecoin market. Industry representatives, such as the Texas Bankers Association, welcomed the 376-page proposal’s focus on custody practices and operational standards. Similarly, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) highlighted the proposal’s coverage of permitted activities, reserve assets, and capital requirements, urging members to participate in the public comment period.
​The OCC is inviting public feedback for 60 days following the publication in the Federal Register, a process that will shape the final version of the rule. Overall, this move by the OCC presents a vision that prioritizes financial stability while defining the future of digital payments. It creates new opportunities for established actors in the sector while providing a solid foundation for new entrants, potentially reinforcing the United States' leadership in the global financial ecosystem.