On May 19, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reducing regulatory barriers for financial technology (fintech) firms and encouraging greater innovation in the financial services industry. The order directs federal financial regulators to review existing regulations, supervisory practices, and application processes that may limit fintech growth, partnerships, and access to the traditional banking system.

The order requires agencies including the CFPB, FDIC, OCC, SEC, CFTC, and NCUA to identify rules and guidance that may unnecessarily hinder fintech firms from partnering with banks, credit unions, broker-dealers, and other regulated institutions. The Federal Reserve is also requested to evaluate whether uninsured depository institutions, non-bank financial companies, and digital asset firms can gain direct access to Federal Reserve payment accounts and payment services.

Read the full E.O. here.

Adam Witmer

Adam Witmer is a speaker, author, and founder of the Compliance Cohort. Adam has taught hundreds of seminars and training sessions to thousands of bankers throughout the United States and teaches on all areas of regulatory compliance. Adam has written five e-books that he never published, hit a grizzly bear while driving in a National Park, and is an award winning photographer and musician (though he no longer takes photos nor plays any instruments). In his spare time, Adam can be found kayaking on the lake, doing taekwondo with his kids, working on his (project) house, or spending time with his family.

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