A banking industry group has criticized recent OCC rules governing payment stablecoins, stating they diverge from congressional objectives. The American Bankers Association issued a notice Wednesday noting the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's final regulations on stablecoin issuance and custody, which implement the GENIUS Act. While acknowledging some positive elements, the association argued the rules weaken safeguards against indirect yield arrangements involving third parties such as exchanges and affiliates. The OCC removed a proposed presumption that such arrangements violated the ban on yield payments, allowing issuers to offer economically equivalent returns while technically complying with the prohibition. The association warned these gaps could blur distinctions between payment stablecoins and traditional bank deposits, potentially affecting funds used for lending. Lawmakers and interest groups had previously debated stablecoin rewards during the July 2025 passage of the GENIUS Act, with ongoing scrutiny as Congress considers the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, a market structure bill stalled after a Senate procedural vote last month. The Blockchain Association supported the OCC's yield rule adjustment, stating it aligns more closely with statutory language. The Bank Policy Institute echoed the American Bankers Association's concerns, asserting the omission of yield presumption introduces ambiguity that could trigger deposit withdrawals. The OCC finalized its rules ahead of the GENIUS Act's January 2027 implementation, with additional agencies including the Federal Reserve and Treasury expected to issue related guidance.