Anticipated Changes in Banking Regulation by 2026

A significant area of upcoming changes is digital assets. Following the enactment of the GENIUS Act in 2025, banks are anticipated to increase their engagement with payment stablecoins and other digital assets. Traditional financial institutions are exploring various use cases, including stablecoins for payments, tokenized deposits, and custody solutions for digital wallets. The integration of these technologies is crucial as digital assets and blockchain are reshaping the global financial landscape.

Changes in the supervisory approach of federal banking agencies are also on the horizon. The Federal Reserve Board introduced a Statement of Supervisory Operating Principles in late 2025, signaling a more focused supervisory strategy on material financial risks. This shift is expected to allow examiners to prioritize significant financial issues rather than less critical soft risks. The banking sector views this as a positive change, anticipation rising for how this approach will materialize in practice.

Interest in the bank chartering process is increasing, particularly following the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's (OCC) more flexible regulatory stance toward new bank charters. We may see a rise in approvals for banks specializing in digital assets and fintech, indicating a potential new wave of charters in 2026.

Furthermore, a resurgence in mergers, acquisitions, and strategic transactions among traditional financial institutions is expected. Smaller financial entities are likely to seek affiliations to enhance operational efficiency, especially following a period of stagnation in such activities due to the pandemic and previous bank failures.

Lastly, third-party risk management is becoming increasingly relevant with the integration of advanced technologies in banking. Federal agencies are likely to enforce stricter oversight on governance, monitoring, and liability concerning third-party service providers. This emphasis reflects an ongoing expectation that while activities may be outsourced, the ultimate responsibility lies with the banks themselves, particularly in consumer financial products and services.

In summary, these developments reflect a transformative year ahead for bank regulation, with potential implications for areas such as capital requirements and fair access.