US crypto & fintech regulation, in plain English
Every major rule from FinCEN, OCC, OFAC, the SEC and CFTC — explained, with who it affects and what to do. Free, always current, no signup.
Major rule trackers
The GENIUS Act: federal rules for payment stablecoins
Signed into law — illicit-finance rules being finalized (expected mid-2026)
The first major U.S. digital-asset law. It creates a federal licensing and supervision regime for payment-stablecoin issuers: 1:1 reserves in cash or short-dated Treasuries, bank-like safety-and-soundness standards, and full BSA/AML obligations. Treasury, FinCEN, and OFAC are now writing the implementing rules.
Open trackerU.S. Congress · SEC · CFTCThe CLARITY Act: who regulates crypto — the SEC or the CFTC?
Advancing through Congress — joint SEC/CFTC guidance already issued
The market-structure bill that aims to end the SEC-vs-CFTC turf war over crypto. It sets statutory rules for when a digital asset is a security (SEC) versus a digital commodity (CFTC), replacing years of enforcement-by-litigation with a defined regulatory perimeter.
Open trackerOFAC Adds New Names to SDN Sanctions Blacklist
OFAC has designated one or more individuals or entities as Specially Designated Nationals, blocking all property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting U.S. persons from transacting with them. Crypto and fintech firms must screen all customers, counterparties, and wallet addresses against the updated SDN list immediately, as any transaction with a newly listed party could constitute a sanctions violation regardless of asset type or platform.
OFAC Updates Contact Info and Swaps Legal-Fee Reporting for Recordkeeping
OFAC is finalizing administrative updates to several CFR parts, including refreshed website and contact information and a notable change to general licenses covering payments for legal services from funds originating outside the United States — replacing a reporting requirement with a recordkeeping requirement. Firms that rely on these general licenses (e.g., when a sanctioned-country counterparty pays legal fees) now need to maintain records rather than file reports. Compliance teams should update their sanctions compliance procedures to reflect the recordkeeping obligation.
OCC Seeks Comments on GENIUS Act Stablecoin Issuer License Application Forms
The OCC is proposing a new information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act to support the licensing and registration process for entities that want to issue payment stablecoins under the GENIUS Act. This is an early procedural step in building out the federal licensing framework for stablecoin issuers. Compliance officers at firms considering or already planning to issue payment stablecoins should monitor this closely, as the application requirements will shape what documentation and controls are needed.
SEC Approves Options Listing Rules for Multi-Crypto Asset Trust Products
The SEC has granted accelerated approval to MEMX LLC's rule change establishing listing criteria and withdrawal standards for options on commodity-based trusts that hold multiple crypto assets. This signals continued regulatory acceptance of listed derivatives tied to diversified crypto asset products. Broker-dealers and exchanges offering or planning to offer crypto-linked options products should take note of the new listing and delisting standards.
FinCEN Extends Comment Period on Huione Group Money Laundering Designation
FinCEN is extending the comment period on its proposed rulemaking to expand the Huione Group designation — a foreign financial institution named a primary money laundering concern — to include H-Pay Service PLC and to define the term 'successor entity.' The extension was caused by a technical issue with the filing portal. Compliance officers should be aware that this rulemaking could impose Section 311 special measures on Huione-related entities, affecting any U.S. firm that might interact with them.
OFAC Removes Some Hong Kong SDNs, Moves Others to Non-SDN Menu-Based List
OFAC has delisted certain individuals and entities from the SDN List under Hong Kong sanctions authorities, while transferring others who remain sanctioned under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act to the Non-SDN Menu-Based Sanctions List (NS-MBS List). Compliance teams must update their screening systems to reflect both the removals and the new list placement, as NS-MBS List designations carry different — but still legally significant — restrictions compared to full SDN blocking. Firms that transact with or custody assets for any of the affected persons need to re-evaluate their obligations immediately.
OFAC Adds New Individuals or Entities to the SDN List
OFAC has designated one or more persons to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, meaning all property and interests in property of those persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from transacting with them. Crypto exchanges, custodians, and payment processors must screen these newly added names immediately to avoid sanctions violations. Failure to block transactions involving SDN-listed parties can result in significant civil and criminal penalties.
NYSE Arca Raises Position and Exercise Limits for Bitcoin ETF Options
NYSE Arca filed and immediately put into effect a rule change increasing the position and exercise limits for options on the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF. Higher limits expand the size of positions market participants can hold or exercise, which may affect market risk and hedging activity around Bitcoin ETF products. Broker-dealers and trading desks active in crypto-linked derivatives should review their risk and compliance frameworks accordingly.
FDIC Seeks Comment on Reporting Forms for Bank-Issued Stablecoin Issuers
The FDIC is inviting public comment on new weekly and quarterly reporting forms that would be required of FDIC-supervised banks permitted to issue payment stablecoins, tied to a proposed rulemaking and a new OMB control number. Compliance officers at banks considering stablecoin issuance should track these reporting obligations closely, as they signal what ongoing supervisory data the FDAC will expect. This is an early opportunity to shape the final reporting burden before rules are finalized.
OFAC Updates Identifying Information for SDN List Entry
OFAC has revised the identifying information for a person already on the SDN List, which may include updated names, aliases, addresses, or other identifiers. Firms relying on static or infrequently refreshed screening data could miss a match if their records do not reflect the updated details. Compliance teams should ensure their screening tools ingest OFAC's full consolidated SDN List, including all alias and identifier updates.
OFAC Adds New Names to SDN Sanctions Blacklist
OFAC has designated one or more individuals or entities to its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, blocking all U.S.-jurisdictional property and prohibiting U.S. persons from transacting with them. Crypto and fintech firms must screen all customers, counterparties, and wallet addresses against the updated SDN List immediately. Failure to block prohibited transactions can result in significant civil and criminal penalties.
NYSE American Proposes Higher Position Limits for Bitcoin ETF Options
NYSE American has filed an immediately effective rule change to increase position and exercise limits for options on the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, signaling growing institutional appetite for Bitcoin-linked derivatives. Broker-dealers and trading firms offering or clearing these options products need to update their position limit controls and margin calculations accordingly. This also reflects the broader regulatory normalization of Bitcoin ETF products in traditional market structure.
Federal Banking Agencies Issue Guidance on Protecting Sensitive Info During Exams
The OCC, Federal Reserve, and FDIC jointly issued a statement describing enhanced security procedures for how examiners handle highly sensitive information during bank examinations, such as reviewing certain materials on-site rather than transferring them to agency systems. For crypto-focused banks and trust companies holding sensitive customer data or proprietary technology details, this guidance clarifies how to engage with examiners while protecting confidential information. Compliance and legal teams should update their examination-management protocols to align with these enhanced procedures.
Banking Agencies Clarify Secure Handling of Sensitive Data in Bank Exams
The federal banking agencies issued a joint statement outlining enhanced security procedures for examiner review of highly sensitive bank information, including practices like on-site review rather than transferring data onto agency systems. Banks and trust companies — including those with crypto or digital asset operations — should understand these procedures to manage examination risk and protect sensitive data. This is directly relevant to any supervised institution preparing for or currently undergoing a regulatory examination.
OCC Releases July 2026 Enforcement Actions Against Banks
The OCC published its monthly enforcement actions for July 2026, which may include cease-and-desist orders, civil money penalties, or other formal actions against OCC-supervised banks. Compliance officers should review the published actions to identify any patterns related to AML, BSA, or other compliance failures that could signal supervisory priorities. Enforcement actions against peer institutions often foreshadow examination focus areas relevant to crypto-active banks and trust companies.
OFAC Adds New Names to the SDN Blocked Persons List
OFAC has designated one or more individuals or entities to its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, immediately blocking all U.S.-person transactions with them and freezing any property under U.S. jurisdiction. Crypto and fintech firms must screen customers, counterparties, and wallet addresses against the updated SDN list in real time, as facilitating transactions with a newly listed party — even unknowingly — can trigger strict liability penalties.
OFAC Updates SDN List with Revised Identifying Information
OFAC has updated the identifying information for one or more individuals or entities already on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. Compliance teams must refresh their screening systems immediately to ensure sanctions checks reflect the latest SDN data and avoid missed matches due to stale records.
Fed Holds Civil Money Penalties Flat for 2026
The Federal Reserve has confirmed that its civil money penalty amounts will not increase for 2026, consistent with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act framework. While this is a status-quo outcome, compliance officers should note the current CMP ceiling remains in force and unchanged — meaning the cost calculus for any BSA/AML or other regulatory violations stays the same as the prior year.
OCC Flags Updated FinCEN Guidance on Voluntary Info-Sharing Between Institutions
The OCC is drawing attention to FinCEN's refreshed Section 314(b) Fact Sheet, which clarifies how financial institutions can voluntarily share information about suspected money laundering or terrorist financing with one another under a statutory safe harbor from liability. Compliance officers should review the updated guidance to ensure their institution's 314(b) program reflects the latest expectations, particularly around fraud-related information sharing, which was a key focus of the update.
Fed Proposes Updated AML/CFT Program Rules for Banks Under AML Act of 2020
The Federal Reserve is proposing to update AML/CFT program requirements for the banks it supervises, aligning with FinCEN's own proposed rulemaking and parallel proposals from the OCC, FDIC, and NCUA — all stemming from the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020. The rule would require supervised banks to maintain risk-based programs designed to identify, assess, and mitigate illicit finance risks and generate more useful information for law enforcement. Banks with crypto or fintech partnerships should pay close attention, as updated AML/CFT program standards will likely flow through to vendor and correspondent relationships.
SEC Civil Penalty Amounts Frozen — No 2026 Inflation Adjustment
The SEC has announced that, per OMB guidance, civil monetary penalties under key securities laws (Securities Act, Exchange Act, Investment Company Act, Advisers Act, Sarbanes-Oxley) will not be adjusted for inflation in 2026. The penalty maximums set in January 2025 remain in effect for all violations occurring after November 2, 2015. Broker-dealers, RIAs, and crypto firms registered with or subject to SEC jurisdiction should note that penalty exposure levels are unchanged heading into 2026.
OFAC Adds New Names to SDN Sanctions Blacklist
OFAC has designated one or more additional persons to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, meaning all property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked and U.S. persons are prohibited from transacting with them. Crypto exchanges, custodians, and payment processors must screen these new entries immediately, as facilitating transactions with SDN-listed parties — including crypto transfers — can result in strict-liability civil penalties. Sanctions lists are updated without advance notice, making real-time or near-real-time screening essential.
SEC Seeks Public Comment on ETFs Holding Novel Assets Like Crypto
The SEC is requesting public comment on ETFs that invest in innovative or novel asset classes — a category that includes crypto and digital assets — and new investment strategies, aiming to balance investor protection with market innovation. Compliance officers at firms involved in digital asset ETFs or considering such products should monitor this closely, as SEC feedback may shape future registration, disclosure, and structural requirements. Responses submitted now could influence the regulatory framework governing crypto ETF structures.
OFAC Updates Identifying Information for Sanctioned Parties
OFAC has published updates to the identifying information of one or more entries already on its sanctions lists, which may affect name-matching and screening results. Compliance officers must ensure their sanctions screening tools and SDN list databases are refreshed promptly to reflect these changes and avoid false negatives. Failure to catch updated entries could result in inadvertent transactions with sanctioned parties.
OFAC Adds New Individual to SDN List — Transactions Now Blocked
OFAC has designated one person to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, blocking all property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting U.S. persons from transacting with them. Crypto and fintech firms must screen this new entry across all customer accounts, transaction flows, and onboarding pipelines. Any existing business relationship with this individual must be frozen and reported.
OFAC Adds Persons and Vessels to SDN List — All Property Blocked
OFAC has designated one or more persons and vessels to the SDN List, blocking all U.S.-jurisdiction property and prohibiting U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with them; the vessels are identified as property in which a blocked person has an interest. Firms involved in trade finance, cross-border payments, or commodity-linked crypto transactions face elevated risk and must screen for these new vessel designations. Compliance teams should update vessel and entity screening protocols in addition to standard name screening.
OFAC Adds New Persons to SDN List — U.S. Transactions Prohibited
OFAC has added one or more persons to the SDN List, blocking all property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting U.S. persons from transacting with them. All regulated firms — including crypto exchanges, custodians, and payment processors — must update their screening systems and check existing relationships against the new designations. Non-compliance with SDN blocking obligations can result in significant civil and criminal penalties.
OFAC Issues Additional SDN List Designations
OFAC has added one or more persons to the SDN List, triggering an immediate prohibition on U.S. persons engaging in any transactions with those parties and requiring the blocking of any related assets. For crypto and fintech compliance teams, this underscores the need for real-time or near-real-time sanctions screening workflows that can catch newly listed entities across all transaction channels.
OFAC Adds New Names to SDN Sanctions Blacklist
OFAC has designated one or more additional persons to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, meaning all U.S. persons are prohibited from transacting with them and any assets under U.S. jurisdiction must be blocked. Crypto firms and fintechs must screen against the updated SDN List immediately, as facilitating transactions with newly designated parties — including through blockchain addresses — can result in severe civil and criminal penalties.
OFAC Updates and Removes Entries from the SDN List
OFAC has revised identifying information for one or more SDN-listed persons and has also removed one or more persons or properties from the list entirely. Compliance teams should update their screening databases promptly — both to avoid false positives on removed parties and to capture any updated identifiers (such as new aliases or wallet addresses) for still-listed persons.
OFAC Adds New Names to SDN Blocked-Persons List
OFAC has designated one or more individuals or entities, adding them to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List and blocking all property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction. U.S. persons — including crypto exchanges, custodians, and payment processors — are generally prohibited from transacting with these parties, making immediate screening updates essential.
OFAC Adds New Names to the SDN Blocked-Persons List
OFAC has designated one or more individuals or entities, adding them to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List and blocking all property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction. U.S. persons are broadly prohibited from transacting with any newly listed party. Crypto and fintech firms must screen customers, counterparties, and wallet addresses against the updated SDN List immediately to avoid sanctions violations.
OFAC Adds New Names to SDN List, Updates Existing Entry
OFAC has designated one or more individuals or entities to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, blocking all U.S.-jurisdictional property and prohibiting U.S. persons from transacting with them. An existing SDN entry has also been updated with new identifying information. Crypto firms and fintechs must screen against the updated list immediately, as facilitating transactions with SDNs — including in digital assets — can result in strict-liability civil penalties.
Multi-Agency Final Rule Sets Common Data Standards for Financial Regulators
Nine federal financial regulators — including OCC, FDIC, CFTC, SEC, and Treasury — finalized a joint rule establishing interoperable data standards for regulatory reporting under the Financial Data Transparency Act of 2022. No reporting requirements change immediately; future rulemakings will incorporate these standards into specific collections. Compliance teams should track follow-on rulemakings, as this framework will eventually affect how regulated entities submit data to multiple agencies.
FinCEN Proposes Expanding Huione Group Designation to Cover H-Pay Service PLC
FinCEN is proposing to expand the existing Section 311 designation of Huione Group — already identified as a primary money laundering concern — to explicitly include H-Pay Service PLC and introduce a 'successor entity' definition, preventing the group from evading restrictions by rebranding. The existing special measure prohibiting U.S. financial institutions from maintaining correspondent or payable-through accounts for Huione Group remains in force. Any firm that processes crypto or fiat payments must screen for H-Pay Service PLC and future successor entities named under this action.
OFAC Adds New Individuals or Entities to the SDN Sanctions List
OFAC has designated one or more persons to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, blocking all property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting U.S. persons from transacting with them. All crypto and fintech firms must screen customers, counterparties, and wallet addresses against the updated SDN List immediately. Failure to block prohibited transactions can result in significant civil and criminal penalties.
CFTC & SEC Seek Input on Overhauling Swap Data Reporting Rules
The CFTC and SEC are jointly requesting public comment on potential changes to how swap and security-based swap data must be reported. Crypto derivatives and tokenized swap products may fall within scope, making this relevant to exchanges and broker-dealers dealing in digital asset derivatives. Compliance officers should monitor whether proposed changes affect reporting obligations for crypto-linked swaps.
CFTC & SEC Ask How to Clarify 'Swap' Definition for Innovative Products
The CFTC and SEC are seeking comment on how to draw clearer regulatory lines between swaps and security-based swaps, particularly for innovative products that may implicate both agencies' jurisdiction. This is directly relevant to crypto firms offering derivative or hybrid digital asset products that could be classified as swaps or securities. The request also covers alternative compliance pathways, which could benefit crypto-native firms.
SEC & CFTC Seek Input on Overhauling Swap Data Reporting Rules
This is the SEC-side publication of the same joint CFTC/SEC request for comment on redesigning swap and security-based swap data reporting requirements. Crypto exchanges and broker-dealers offering digital asset derivatives should track this rulemaking closely as it could reshape trade reporting obligations. The comment period represents an opportunity to influence how crypto-linked instruments are treated.
SEC & CFTC Seek Comment on Clearer Rules for Innovative Swap Products
This is the SEC-side publication of the joint CFTC/SEC request for comment on clarifying the definitions of 'swap' and 'security-based swap' for novel financial products, including alternative compliance approaches. Digital asset products that straddle the SEC/CFTC boundary — such as crypto perpetuals or tokenized derivatives — are directly implicated. Clearer lines could significantly affect how crypto firms register and comply.
OCC Proposes BSA/AML and Sanctions Rules for Payment Stablecoin Issuers
The OCC, in coordination with FinCEN and OFAC, has proposed regulations implementing BSA/AML and sanctions compliance requirements specifically for permitted payment stablecoin issuers under its jurisdiction, as required by the GENIUS Act. This is a landmark proposal that will establish formal AML program, KYC, and sanctions screening obligations for federally supervised stablecoin issuers. Compliance officers at stablecoin issuers and banks exploring stablecoin activities should treat this as a top-priority rulemaking.
SEC Opens Review of VanEck JitoSOL (Solana Staking) ETF Listing on Nasdaq
The SEC has opened formal proceedings to determine whether to approve or disapprove Nasdaq's proposal to list and trade shares of the VanEck JitoSOL ETF, a commodity-based trust tied to a Solana liquid staking token. This signals the SEC is subjecting staking-based crypto ETF structures to heightened scrutiny, beyond standard Bitcoin/Ethereum spot ETF precedents. Compliance officers at exchanges, custodians, and broker-dealers should monitor this closely as it may shape how staked digital asset products are classified and regulated.
OCC Proposes BSA/AML and Sanctions Rules for Stablecoin Issuers Under GENIUS Act
The OCC has issued a proposed rulemaking to establish Bank Secrecy Act and sanctions compliance requirements specifically for OCC-supervised permitted payment stablecoin issuers (PPSIs), as mandated by the newly enacted GENIUS Act. This is a landmark development because it creates a dedicated AML/CFT and sanctions compliance framework for federally supervised stablecoin issuers for the first time. Any firm considering or currently operating as a payment stablecoin issuer under OCC oversight must prepare to meet these new BSA and OFAC compliance standards.
Proposed Rule: Stablecoin Issuers Must Have BSA-Compliant Customer ID Programs
FinCEN, OCC, the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and NCUA are jointly proposing a rule under the GENIUS Act that would formally classify permitted payment stablecoin issuers as 'financial institutions' under the Bank Secrecy Act and require them to maintain a Customer Identification Program (CIP). This means stablecoin issuers would face the same KYC/AML obligations as banks and MSBs, including identity verification at onboarding. Any firm issuing, managing, or providing custody or payment rails for payment stablecoins needs to assess whether it falls within the rule's scope and begin gap-analyzing its CIP infrastructure.
SEC Approves Pilot to Trade Tokenized Securities on 24X National Exchange
24X National Exchange filed a rule change — effective immediately — to allow securities to be traded in tokenized form during a pilot program operated by the Depository Trust Company. This is a significant structural development for firms dealing in digital asset securities, as it signals a regulated pathway for tokenized equities on a national exchange. Compliance officers at broker-dealers, exchanges, and custody providers should monitor how AML, KYC, and settlement obligations will apply to tokenized security transactions under this pilot.
OCC Releases June 2026 Enforcement Actions Against Banks
The OCC published its monthly roundup of formal enforcement actions taken against national banks and federal savings associations. Compliance officers should review these actions to identify patterns in supervisory priorities, including any AML, BSA, or compliance program deficiencies that could signal broader exam focus areas.
CFTC Seeks Input on Rules That May Block Fintech Firms From Market Access
The CFTC is issuing a Request for Information under Executive Order 14405 to identify its regulations, guidance, no-action letters, and other items that may unnecessarily prevent fintech firms from partnering with CFTC-regulated intermediaries (FCMs, swap dealers, DCMs, etc.) or from obtaining CFTC registrations. Crypto and fintech firms that interact with derivatives markets—or that aspire to register with or partner with CFTC-regulated entities—have a rare opportunity to flag specific regulatory barriers. Comments submitted now can directly shape rule amendments and streamlined registration pathways.
OCC Clarifies How It Evaluates Bank Charter and License Applications
The OCC issued guidance clarifying the standards it uses when making decisions on filings such as charter applications, mergers, and licensing requests. This is directly relevant to crypto firms and fintechs pursuing national bank charters or trust company charters, as it signals what the OCC will and will not weigh in its approval decisions.
OCC Bulletin: Updated Standards for Charter and Filing Decisions
The OCC published a formal bulletin clarifying the standards it applies when deciding on regulatory filings, including charter applications and other approval requests. For crypto custodians, exchanges, and fintechs seeking federal licensing, understanding these standards is essential for structuring a credible application.
SEC Approves NYSE Arca Listing of T. Rowe Price Active Crypto ETF
The SEC has approved a proposed rule change allowing NYSE Arca to list and trade shares of the T. Rowe Price Active Crypto ETF as a Commodity-Based Trust Share under NYSE Arca Rule 8.201-E. This expands the universe of SEC-approved crypto investment products available to retail and institutional investors. Compliance officers at broker-dealers, custodians, and exchanges supporting ETF distribution or custody should assess whether their AML, KYC, and product onboarding frameworks cover this new product.
Cboe Amends Fee Schedule for Bitcoin ETF Index Options
Cboe Exchange has filed an immediately effective rule change updating transaction fees for its Bitcoin U.S. ETF Index Options (CBTX) and Mini Bitcoin U.S. ETF Index Options (MBTX). Compliance officers at broker-dealers and exchanges offering Bitcoin ETF-linked derivatives should note that fee structure changes can affect client disclosures, best-execution analysis, and product documentation.
Nasdaq Proposes Updated Generic Listing Standards for Commodity-Based Trust Shares
Nasdaq has filed Amendment No. 1 to a proposed rule change that would modify the generic listing standards for commodity-based trust shares under Rule 5711(d), with the SEC designating a longer review period. This is relevant to crypto compliance teams because commodity-based trust shares are frequently used as the vehicle for spot Bitcoin and other digital-asset ETFs, and changes to listing standards can affect how such products are structured, disclosed, and traded.
NYSE Arca Seeks Extended Review Period for Commodity-Based Trust Share Listing Standards
The SEC has designated a longer review period for NYSE Arca's proposed rule change that would amend the generic listing standards for commodity-based trust shares under Rule 8.201-E. These listing standards govern products such as spot Bitcoin and digital-asset ETFs, making this directly relevant to compliance teams supporting exchange-listed crypto products. The extended timeline signals continued regulatory scrutiny of how digital-asset trust products are listed and governed.
CFTC Proposes Updates to Whistleblower Award Rules for Greater Transparency
The CFTC is proposing amendments to its whistleblower award rules to make claims processing more efficient, transparent, and predictable, modeled on the SEC's existing approach. The changes are designed to strengthen incentives for individuals to report CEA violations, which could increase the volume and quality of tips received by the agency about crypto and derivatives misconduct. Compliance officers should note that a more robust whistleblower program raises the stakes for internal compliance gaps that could be reported externally.
OCC Revises Its Licensing Manual Information Collection Requirements
The OCC is soliciting public comment on a revision to the information collection associated with its Licensing Manual, which governs applications and filings for national bank charters and related approvals. For crypto firms, fintechs, and trust companies pursuing OCC charters or special-purpose licenses, changes to the Licensing Manual directly affect the documentation and process requirements they must satisfy. Staying current with any revisions is essential for institutions actively exploring or pursuing federal licensing pathways.
OCC Proposes New Reporting Forms for Payment Stablecoin Issuers
The OCC is proposing a new set of weekly and quarterly reporting forms specifically for permitted payment stablecoin issuers—including foreign issuers—under its jurisdiction, and is seeking a new OMB control number for this collection. This signals that the OCC is building out a formal, ongoing supervisory data infrastructure for stablecoin issuers, which will impose regular disclosure and reporting obligations on covered entities. Compliance officers at stablecoin issuers or institutions considering a stablecoin charter should treat this as an early indicator of the reporting burden they will face.
OFAC Adds New Individuals/Entities to SDN Blocked Persons List
OFAC has designated one or more persons to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, blocking all U.S.-jurisdictional property and prohibiting U.S. persons from transacting with them. Crypto and fintech firms must screen customers, counterparties, and wallet addresses against the updated SDN List immediately, as facilitating transactions with blocked persons exposes firms to significant civil and criminal liability.
CFTC Proposes Rules Clarifying Which Prediction Market Contracts Are Banned
The CFTC is proposing amendments to define more precisely which event contract derivatives (prediction markets) can be blocked from trading or clearing as contrary to the public interest, including a new definition of 'gaming' and factors for making that determination. Crypto exchanges and DeFi platforms that offer or plan to offer prediction market products need to assess whether their offerings could be swept in under the proposed factors. This rulemaking signals increased regulatory scrutiny of on-chain and off-chain prediction markets.
Joint Final Rule Sets Common Data Standards for Financial Regulatory Reporting
Eight federal financial regulators, including the OCC, Fed, FDIC, SEC, and CFTC, have issued a joint final rule implementing the Financial Data Transparency Act of 2022, establishing standardized data formats for regulatory reporting submissions. Firms subject to reporting obligations across multiple regulators will need to align their data infrastructure and reporting pipelines to the new interoperability standards. This affects any regulated entity that files supervisory data with participating agencies.
OCC Proposes Weekly & Quarterly Reporting Forms for Stablecoin Issuers Under GENIUS Act
The OCC is seeking public comment on proposed weekly and quarterly reporting forms that permitted payment stablecoin issuers and foreign stablecoin issuers registered with the OCC under the GENIUS Act will be required to complete. This is an early but critical step in the GENIUS Act supervisory framework, and stablecoin issuers operating under OCC jurisdiction need to understand their forthcoming reporting obligations. Comments are due within 60 days of Federal Register publication.
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