OCC finalizes GENIUS Act rulebook for payment stablecoin issuers

The US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency published its final rule (Bulletin 2026-50) creating 12 CFR 15, the first complete federal framework for payment stablecoin issuers. Reserve, redemption, audit and supervision standards take effect on January 18, 2027.

• Rule covers national banks, savings associations, foreign and nonbank issuers
• Sets standards for reserves, par redemption, audits and capital backstop
• AML and sanctions rules to come separately with the Treasury
• Effective date is January 18, 2027