The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has announced a proposed rulemaking intended to implement the GENIUS Act, legislation that was enacted by President Donald Trump in July 2025. This proposed rule is pivotal as it outlines the majority of regulations that the OCC is obligated to enforce under the GENIUS Act.
According to a press release issued by the OCC, the proposed regulations cover essential aspects such as activities, reserve assets, risk management, custody, capital requirements, and operational safeguards related to payment stablecoins. However, certain regulations, specifically those pertaining to the Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, and Office of Foreign Asset Control sanctions, will be addressed in a separate rulemaking in collaboration with the Department of Treasury.
The OCC has opened a comment period lasting 60 days from the publication date in the Federal Register for stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed rule. Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan V. Gould expressed the OCC”s commitment to developing a regulatory framework that fosters the stablecoin industry while ensuring safety and compliance. He stated, “The OCC has given thoughtful consideration to a proposed regulatory framework in which the stablecoin industry can flourish in a safe and sound manner.” He further encouraged industry participants to share their insights to refine the final rule.
Gould is scheduled to discuss the GENIUS Act during a Senate Banking Committee hearing, highlighting the OCC”s priorities and initiatives. In his prepared remarks, he noted, “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.” The topic of the GENIUS Act, along with other cryptocurrency-related issues, was a significant focus during the routine oversight hearing of the OCC and other banking regulators.
In a related development, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) took its initial steps towards implementing the GENIUS Act in December 2025 by approving a notice that would allow insured depository institutions to pursue stablecoin payments.
