OCC unveils GENIUS Act stablecoin rule on 26 February 2026 and opens public feedback

On 26 February 2026, the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency published a proposed rule under the GENIUS Act to set prudential standards for payment stablecoin issuers under its oversight. The draft framework covers permitted U.S. and certain foreign issuers, as well as related custody activities, while leaving BSA, AML, and OFAC requirements to be handled separately with the Treasury. Public comments on the proposal are expected to guide the final rules that will shape how stablecoins operate within the U.S. banking system.