Crypto Firms Can Keep Paying Stablecoin Rewards as OCC Finalizes GENIUS Act Rule

07:02 PM EDT, 10/21/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Crypto exchanges can keep offering interest-like rewards on stablecoins for now, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said Wednesday, as it finalized a rule that drops a proposed presumption against such programs despite objections from the banking industry. Stablecoin issuers remain barred from paying interest directly to holders under the rule, which implements the GENIUS Act. The rule covers reserves, redemption, risk management and custody for issuers under the agency's jurisdiction. It takes effect Jan. 18, 2027. The OCC said it will announce separately when it will begin accepting applications from prospective issuers.