OCC Finalizes Stablecoin Framework Under The GENIUS Act

On October 21, 2026, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") issued its final rules, effective January 18, 2027, to implement the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act ("GENIUS Act"). The final rules drop the yield presumption and automatic redemption extension, clarify redemption timing, and change reserve and capital requirements to an "at all times" standard.

As described in our March 2026 Commentary titled "The GENIUS Act in Action: The OCC Proposes Stablecoin Regulations," the originally proposed rules established a framework covering licensing, reserves, redemption, capital, and operational standards. The final rules retain the original structure but make the following significant changes: