OCC Urges Community Banks to Issue Stablecoins

The OCC is encouraging community banks to apply as permitted stablecoin issuers under the GENIUS Act as federal licensing requirements take effect on Jan. 18, 2027. TLDR The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC ) is urging community banks to apply as permitted stablecoin issuers under the GENIUS Act. Issuers must comply with the OCC’s finalized rules starting Jan. 18, 2027 , though existing issuers with substantially complete applications can seek temporary waivers. The OCC has not yet started accepting applications and says the process will open once the required federal paperwork approval is completed.