The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced a draft rule on February 25, 2026, aimed at regulating stablecoins in adherence to the recently enacted GENIUS Act. This new legislation, signed into law by President Donald Trump in July 2025, seeks to provide a structured approach to the burgeoning field of payment stablecoins.
The proposed rule encompasses a wide range of standards concerning reserve assets, risk management, and operational safeguards for payment stablecoins. Notably, it excludes areas related to the Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering measures, which will be addressed in future rulemaking alongside the Department of Treasury.
"The OCC has given thoughtful consideration to a proposed regulatory framework in which the stablecoin industry can flourish in a safe and sound manner," said Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan V. Gould. He added that the agency welcomes industry feedback, indicating a commitment to developing a final rule that is effective and reflective of diverse perspectives.
Gould is set to elaborate on the GENIUS Act during a Senate Banking Committee hearing on February 26, where he will outline the OCC’s priorities and new initiatives. As he stated in a prepared speech, "Innovation has driven American finance from the telegraph to the blockchain. The GENIUS Act is this Congress’s effort to advance American innovation through payment stablecoins, and we look forward to comments on our proposal to implement it."
Given the rapid evolution of digital currencies, the session is expected to offer insights into how regulators plan to oversee the stablecoin sector. Insights gathered during this hearing will be crucial as the OCC refines its proposals, seeking to strike a balance between supporting innovation and ensuring market safety.
Industry observers have keenly noted the significance of the OCC’s proposed rules amidst increasing scrutiny of cryptocurrency practices and the regulatory landscape. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) also embarked on establishing procedures under the GENIUS Act in December 2025, marking a concerted effort between banking regulators to navigate the complexities of stablecoin regulation.
The OCC’s proposed rule will be open for public comment for 60 days following its publication in the Federal Register. This period allows stakeholders, including financial institutions and thought leaders in the fintech space, to voice their opinions and contribute to this important regulatory initiative. The OCC is keen to forge a path that not only supports innovation but also encompasses robust safeguards against potential risks inherent in the stablecoin market.
As the debate over digital currency regulations unfolds, industry participants remain vigilant about how these proposed rules could shape the future of payment systems tied to stablecoins. The outcome of the Senate Banking Committee hearing and subsequent public commentary will likely influence further legislative and regulatory decisions in this dynamic sector. The push for clearer guidelines reflects a broader trend toward regulatory clarity in the cryptocurrency space, ensuring that consumer interests and market integrity remain at the forefront of developments.