The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) released the final rules for the implementation of the GENIUS Act on Wednesday, becoming the first regulatory agency to complete the formulation of stablecoin regulatory rules under this act. The new rules will take effect on January 18, 2027. The regulations establish a framework for approved stablecoin issuers and provide a pathway for both banking and non-banking institutions to conduct stablecoin payment operations, while also clarifying standards for foreign stablecoin issuers and asset custody. The final rules require stablecoin issuance regulation to adhere to standards such as reserve support, redemption, and risk management. Unlike previous proposals, the new rules do not include presumptive violation clauses related to specific business relationships between issuers and third parties. However, regulatory officials stated that the OCC will still assess relevant arrangements on a case-by-case basis and has the authority to take enforcement action against behaviors that evade the requirements of the act. The issue of stablecoin rewards has previously become a contentious point between the U.S. banking industry and the cryptocurrency sector, with banks concerned that such rewards could lead to deposit outflows, although the GENIUS Act does not fully prohibit platforms from offering rewards to users.