The U.S. remained at the centre of crypto policy developments this week, with lawmakers advancing new proposals on digital asset taxation and a strategic Bitcoin reserve, while the Senate’s failure to advance the CLARITY Act highlighted continued divisions over the country’s approach to crypto regulation. Beyond the U.S., the World Trade Organization examined how stablecoins could affect cross-border payments and international trade, adding a broader economic dimension to the week’s digital asset developments. Together, these developments reflect an industry increasingly shaped not only by crypto-specific legislation, but also by tax policy, government holdings, financial regulation and the evolution of global payments.
Russia proposes 1% crypto exposure limit for banks
Russia’s regulated crypto market is bringing banks into a new digital asset framework, but participation will come with specific limits on the risks lenders can take. As financial institutions prepare to offer crypto-related services under the new regime, the Bank of Russia has proposed prudential rules designed to limit their exposure to cryptocurrencies and foreign digital instruments.
Under the draft framework, banks would be subject to two new prudential ratios: N31 for individual credit institutions and N32 for banking groups. Both ratios would limit qualifying crypto-related exposure to 1% of an institution’s own funds.
The limit would cover more than direct cryptocurrency holdings. Loans, derivatives, bonds, repo transactions, guarantees and credit lines linked to cryptocurrencies or foreign digital instruments could also count toward a bank’s exposure. Banks would have to stay within the threshold each operating day, while repeated breaches could trigger regulatory measures.
The proposal also sets a 1,250% risk weight for aggregate crypto exposure and certain client positions for which banks assume responsibility. The framework distinguishes transactions by underlying risk, with some qualifying positions receiving different treatment when liquidity and sanctions-related risks are considered lower.
The measures come shortly after Russia’s regulated crypto market took effect on September 1, bringing trading, custody and related digital asset activities under a formal regulatory framework.
OCC moves to implement U.S. stablecoin law
In the United States, the Department of the Treasury, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), has proposed a federal framework for payment stablecoin issuers under the GENIUS Act. The proposal covers key areas such as reserve requirements, redemption at par, liquidity and risk management, custody, audits, examinations and the process for approving new issuers.
The rules would also clarify which companies can qualify as permitted payment stablecoin issuers. They would create federal oversight for certain bank subsidiaries, federal issuers, state-qualified issuers and foreign issuers that want to operate in the U.S. market.
The OCC has opened a 60-day public comment period, giving banks, stablecoin companies and other industry participants an opportunity to weigh in. Separate rules covering Bank Secrecy Act and sanctions compliance are expected to be developed with the Treasury Department.
Taken together, the proposal signals that stablecoins are moving closer to the centre of the regulated financial system.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult a qualified cryptocurrency advisor before making any investment decisions.
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Rodcas Consulting Group