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Ethereum Updates: U.S. Financial Institutions Approved to Hold Crypto Assets as Country Aims for Blockchain Dominance

Ethereum Updates: U.S. Financial Institutions Approved to Hold Crypto Assets as Country Aims for Blockchain Dominance

Bitget-RWA2025/11/20 02:06
By:Bitget-RWA

- U.S. national banks can now hold crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum to pay blockchain fees, per OCC guidance. - The move aligns with Trump's pro-crypto agenda to reduce regulatory barriers and position the U.S. as a global crypto hub. - Banks can use crypto reserves for gas fees or testing blockchain platforms, improving operational efficiency without third-party intermediaries. - Major banks like JPMorgan and BNY Mellon are expanding crypto services, supported by the OCC's updated framework under t

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has announced that national banks are now permitted to include cryptocurrencies on their balance sheets for the purpose of paying blockchain network fees, representing a significant change in the regulatory stance on digital assets. The new directive,

, authorizes banks to hold digital currencies such as and for approved uses, including the payment of fees associated with blockchain operations. This update is in line with broader initiatives to ease regulatory constraints and establish the U.S. as a leader in the crypto sector.

The OCC stressed that banks must engage in these activities "in a safe and sound manner and in compliance with applicable law,"

, while also allowing institutions to maintain crypto reserves for blockchain testing or transaction facilitation. The agency referenced the recently passed GENIUS Act, which set up a regulatory system for stablecoins, as a major influence behind the updated policy. For stablecoin transactions at licensed banks, network fees will likely be necessary, and banks are now able to pay these fees or via third parties.

This policy change resolves longstanding uncertainty for banks interested in offering crypto-related services. Previously, banks required special approval to hold digital assets for operational reasons,

. By permitting the use of crypto reserves for gas fees, the OCC is enabling banks to simplify processes such as , where ETH is needed to pay network charges. This reduces dependence on external service providers, .

This regulatory update comes as banks show increasing interest in crypto services.

and others are preparing to introduce crypto custody solutions and stablecoins backed by the U.S. dollar. Leading custodians such as BNY Mellon and State Street are also building platforms for institutional digital asset trading. The OCC’s new guidance offers clearer direction for these projects, especially as the Treasury and Federal Reserve finalize rules under the GENIUS Act, .

Ethereum Updates: U.S. Financial Institutions Approved to Hold Crypto Assets as Country Aims for Blockchain Dominance image 0

The Senate Banking Committee is scheduled to vote in December 2025 on a comprehensive bill for crypto market structure

, placing them under the oversight of the CFTC, with the goal of resolving regulatory disputes between the SEC and CFTC and introducing protections for trading platforms. If enacted, the legislation would further reinforce the U.S. regulatory landscape, .

The OCC’s recent move is part of a wider pro-crypto strategy under

, to position the U.S. as a global "crypto capital," along with coordinated efforts with agencies like the SEC and CFTC to lift previous cautions against crypto involvement. These actions indicate a deliberate shift toward supporting digital assets, aiming to balance technological advancement with financial security.

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Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

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