Goodbye to uncertainty: This is how the OCC will regulate stablecoins under the GENIUS Act framework

Goodbye to uncertainty: This is how stablecoins will be regulated under the new GENIUS Act, according to the OCC

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has initiated a consultation process on the GENIUS Act to regulate stablecoins, taking another step in the direction of strengthening the United States' leadership in the crypto industry.

Recently, the OCC formally initiated a 60-day period to receive public comments on the implementation of the National Innovation Guidance and Establishment for Stablecoins Act, known as the GENIUS Act. 

According to the agency, this consultation process seeks to regulate how financial entities and technology companies will issue, back, and settle digital assets linked to the US dollar under federal supervision. 

As previously reported, the GENIUS regulations stipulate that only authorized issuers may operate in the US market, prohibiting access to providers that do not meet security and reserve standards. Based on this, the OCC seeks to integrate digital assets into the traditional financial system, guaranteeing redemption at par and risk management through ongoing audits. 

Overall, the start of this consultation process is another regulatory advance that positions institutions under federal jurisdiction as key players in the modernization of global payments.

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The new rules for stablecoins in the US.

In the proposed regulation notice issued, the OCC details the technical requirements that entities interested in issuing payment stablecoins must meet. Among the highlights are the reserve asset standards, which require a 100% backed by high-quality, liquid assetssuch as U.S. Treasury bonds or cash equivalents. According to expert analysis, these rules effectively incorporate the crypto industry into the world of traditional finance, albeit under significant oversight.

La proposal The OCC defines specific categories for permitted issuers, including subsidiaries of national banks, federal savings associations, and certain qualified state issuers. Furthermore, the regulation extends its authority to foreign issuers wishing to operate in the United States, requiring them to submit to federal oversight. The regulation also introduces capital and operational safeguards, modifying existing capital adequacy rules to ensure that companies have the necessary solvency to withstand potential market stress scenarios.

Jonathan Gould, Comptroller of the Currency, stated that the agency has considered a framework where the industry can thrive securely. Therefore, the draft includes mandatory redemption mechanisms at par, guaranteeing that users can always exchange their stablecoin for 1 US dollar without delays or loss of value. With this level of compliance, the agency seeks to prevent liquidity crises and protect the stability of the national financial system.

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The OCC accelerates the regulatory maturity of the digital financial ecosystem

The Office of the Commissioner of Culture's (OCC) implementation of the GENIUS Act demonstrates how federal agencies are refining their policies for digital assets. This move reflects a broader effort within the federal system, where other agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), are simultaneously developing regulatory frameworks to provide legal certainty to the rapidly expanding crypto sector.

According to the OCC's technical document, the agency will maintain direct coordination with the Treasury Department to address separately the application of regulations related to the Bank Secrecy Act and the sanctions imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This collaborative mechanism aims to harmonize compliance requirements with the operational needs of the crypto market, a balance that has not always been easy to achieve.

On the other hand, the new framework introduces guidelines on the custody of digital assets and simplifies application procedures for new participants, eliminating much of the uncertainty that had previously kept several large banks out of the market. During her address at the Blockchain Association's annual summit, OCC Chief Officer Sarah Gould warned that restricting national banks from custodying crypto assets would disregard a long tradition of prudential regulation. The proposal, instead, opens the door for these institutions to meet the growing demand from their clients within a monitored environment and with robust audit mechanisms.

The implementation schedule anticipates that the new regime will come into effect in effective January 2027Although the OCC has left open the possibility of moving up the date if the public review process progresses quickly. Furthermore, the incorporation of standards on liquidity and operational risk management demonstrates a significant evolution in the supervision of financial technologies. With this, the regulator not only seeks to adapt to innovation but also to strengthen institutional trust in a market that is consolidating itself as an integral part of the U.S. financial system.

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The United States and its strategy to lead the global crypto industry

Under the Trump administration, US regulators have focused on solidifying the country's position as the undisputed leader in the global crypto industry. The implementation of the GENIUS Act is a cornerstone of this strategy, providing a robust legal environment that attracts foreign investment and fosters local innovation. 

The current administration's goal is for U.S. regulations to become the global gold standard for digital finance.

With legislation like the GENIUS Act passed and the CLARITY Act currently awaiting approval in Congress, the White House aims to attract foreign investment, strengthen market confidence, and stimulate innovation within the country. The ultimate goal is for U.S. regulation to serve as a global model, charting the course for a more competitive, secure, and strategically aligned digital financial system.