US Banks Authorized for Crypto Activities

OCC Enables US Banks To Engage In Cryptocurrency Activities Without Prior Approval, Coinciding With President Trump’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Initiative.

Key Takeaways: – U.S. National Banks can now participate in cryptocurrency activities without needing prior approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). – This announcement aligned with a White House crypto summit and an executive order from President Trump that created a strategic reserve for Bitcoin.

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency revealed on Friday that US banks are now allowed to participate in specific cryptocurrency activities without needing prior approval from regulators.

This shift in policy coincided with a crypto summit held at the White House and occurred shortly after President Donald Trump signed an executive order that established a strategic reserve for Bitcoin and a few other cryptocurrencies.

As stated by the OCC, US banks are now legally authorized to provide cryptocurrency custody services, engage in transactions related to stablecoins, and operate nodes on distributed ledgers.

In addition, the OCC has revoked previous guidance from the Biden administration, which mandated that banks must obtain approval from supervisors before they could partake in crypto activities. Under prior regulations, institutions were required to show sufficient risk management measures and receive supervisory consent to offer crypto-related services.

Acting Comptroller Rodney Hood made it clear that while US banks can freely interact with digital assets, they are still expected to uphold strong risk management practices.

“Today’s action will reduce the burden on banks to engage in crypto-related activities and ensure that these bank activities are treated consistently by the OCC, regardless of the underlying technology,” Hood remarked.

The rescinded guidance was initially part of a larger regulatory framework established during the Biden administration. A statement from the OCC in 2023 regarding liquidity risks associated with cryptocurrency activities was also withdrawn, indicating a reversal of earlier concerns about financial system vulnerabilities linked to digital assets.

This development follows President Trump’s commitment to conclude “Operation Choke Point 2.0,” a term that refers to claimed efforts by federal regulators to limit banking access for cryptocurrency companies.

Critics claim that this policy, which stemmed from an initiative during the Obama administration aimed at high-risk sectors, severely restricted the ability of crypto firms to access conventional financial services. After losing banking relationships, numerous companies turned to stablecoins for operational financing.

The termination of Operation Choke Point 2.0 indicates a policy shift and corresponds with recent changes in the overall crypto regulatory environment. Advocates in the industry have consistently called for clearer regulatory frameworks, asserting that stringent banking regulations have hindered innovation and economic progress within the digital asset market.

The OCC’s recent move is expected to alleviate pressures on crypto companies aiming for more seamless integration with the banking sector, although regulators have affirmed that financial entities must remain alert to the risks posed by digital assets.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency markets are volatile, and investing involves risk. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.