OCC finalizes stablecoin rules—What changes ahead of January 2027?

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has finalized rules for payment stablecoin issuers under its supervision. It was announced on October 21, and it implements key parts of the GENIUS Act and takes effect on January 18, 2027. The rules address the assets backing these tokens, how holders exchange them for money, and how issuers manage risks. But financial crime requirements rules still remain, with a separate announcement on applications expected. What the rules mean for stablecoin holders Payment stablecoins are designed to maintain a steady value, often against the U.S. dollar.