OCC Finalizes GENIUS Act Stablecoin Rules: Key Requirements And Next Steps For Issuers And Banks

On October 21, 2026, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced a final rule implementing key provisions of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act.¹ Effective January 18, 2027, the rule establishes a federal regulatory framework for payment stablecoin issuers under the OCC's jurisdiction, including requirements governing permissible activities, reserve assets, redemption, risk management, custody, licensing, and supervision.²

The final rule is particularly significant for nonbank companies considering becoming federally regulated payment stablecoin issuers, banks evaluating stablecoin-related activities, and custodians supporting stablecoin arrangements. Compared with the proposed rule, the final framework provides greater flexibility for permissible activities, reserve management, custody arrangements, and certain third-party rewards programs, while retaining significant capital, liquidity, and operational