EO-14405
Integrating Financial Technology Innovation Into Regulatory Frameworks
- Signed
- May 19, 2026
- Published
- May 22, 2026
Federal Register: 2026-10399
Source: Federal Register.
Opening Federal Financial Regulations to Fintech Companies
What it does
This order directs federal financial regulators — including the CFPB, SEC, FDIC, OCC, NCUA, and CFTC — to review their existing rules and guidance within 90 days to identify barriers that prevent financial technology (fintech) companies from partnering with traditional banks or obtaining federal licenses. Within 180 days, those regulators must take steps to reduce those barriers. It also requests that the Federal Reserve evaluate whether non-bank and uninsured financial companies — including digital asset firms — can be granted direct access to Federal Reserve payment accounts and services, and report back within 120 days.
Who benefits
Fintech startups and small emerging technology-driven financial companies that currently face high regulatory costs or barriers to entry. Digital asset and cryptocurrency firms seeking access to the federal payment system. Consumers in underserved or rural communities who may gain access to new, lower-cost financial products if fintech firms expand. Small businesses that rely on fintech payment processors or lending platforms. Investors in fintech companies who would benefit from a more permissive regulatory environment.
Who is affected
Traditional banks and credit unions that currently benefit from regulatory frameworks that create higher barriers for new competitors. Consumers who rely on existing consumer protection rules that could be weakened if regulations are loosened. Federal financial regulators whose supervisory discretion and existing guidance documents may be revised or rescinded. State-chartered financial institutions and state regulators, whose authority could be affected if federal licensing pathways expand. Workers at incumbent financial firms who could face increased competitive pressure.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that existing financial regulations were designed for a pre-digital era and create unnecessary obstacles that protect large, established banks at the expense of innovative competitors and the consumers they could serve. By directing regulators to identify and remove outdated barriers, the order would level the playing field for smaller fintech firms, potentially expanding access to affordable financial services for millions of Americans — including those currently unbanked or underbanked — while keeping the United States competitive in the global financial technology market.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that the financial regulations targeted by this order exist to protect consumers, ensure market stability, and prevent systemic risk — lessons learned from past financial crises. They contend that fast-tracking fintech firms into the banking system without rigorous oversight could expose consumers to fraud, data breaches, and predatory products, while granting non-bank firms access to Federal Reserve payment infrastructure could introduce new vulnerabilities into the financial system. Critics also argue that loosening rules primarily benefits investors and technology companies, not ordinary consumers.
Constitutional basis
Executive orders rest on constitutional authority or statutory delegation. This summary describes the legal grounding cited or implied by the order.
The order rests on the President's Article II authority to direct and supervise the executive branch, including the heads of executive agencies such as the CFPB, FDIC, OCC, CFTC, and NCUA. It also draws on statutory authority delegated to those agencies under laws including the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813), the Bank Holding Company Act (12 U.S.C. 1843), and the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1752). Notably, the Federal Reserve Board is an independent agency, so the order uses precatory ("requested") rather than mandatory language for Sections 4, reflecting the limits of direct presidential command over independent regulators.