The OCC doubles down on allowing community banks to partner with stablecoin firms, aiming to boost innovation and digital services. OCC Clarifies Stablecoin Strategy—Community Banks Can Lead the Next Wave The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) stated on social media platform X last week that community banks could broaden their reach in financial services by forming partnerships with companies developing stablecoins. The regulator underlined that it will reassess its regulatory and supervisory approach to ensure oversight remains consistent with both innovation and the resilience of smaller banks. The move marks a notable adjustment from earlier caution, as the OCC is increasingly engaging with the digital asset sector while maintaining focus on financial stability. The OCC wrote: Community banks can partner with companies developing stablecoins to foster innovation and offer new products. The OCC will review and update as necessary its regulatory and supervisory approach to ensure it supports innovations in banking and the vitality of community banks. With this message, the OCC highlighted how such collaborations could allow smaller banks to compete with larger institutions by expanding service offerings and providing customers with new digital payment options. This effort aligns with the broader trend of blockchain adoption in financial markets, where stablecoins are becoming integrated into settlement systems and banking operations. The OCC post also quotes Jonathan V. Gould, who was sworn in as the 32nd Comptroller of the Currency on July 15, 2025, stating: Community banks play a crucial role in providing essential financial services. Stablecoins are one way for these institutions to better serve their communities’ payment needs. The OCC’s statement builds on years of digital asset guidance. While the agency appeared supportive of crypto in 2020 and early 2021 under Acting Comptroller Brian Brooks—authorizing custody services, stablecoin reserve holdings, and use of distributed ledger systems—its stance shifted after his departure, with new leadership adopting a more cautious approach. In 2021, Letter 1179 required banks to obtain written supervisory non-objection from the OCC before engaging in crypto-related activities, effectively limiting participation. That restriction was lifted in March 2025 by Letter 1183. In May 2025, Letter 1184 clarified that national banks and federal savings associations may provide and outsource cryptocurrency custody and execution services. The OCC’s evolving stance has been reinforced by the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act of 2025 (GENIUS Act), which largely designates the OCC as the lead regulator for federally licensed non-bank stablecoin issuers. Although some critics remain wary of heightened risk exposure for community banks, supporters contend that stablecoins improve efficiency, reduce settlement costs, and extend financial access—advantages that could strengthen smaller institutions in a competitive market.