OCC’s New Guidance Marks Shift In U.S. Crypto Banking Regulations

OCC allows banks to incorporate digital assets (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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Coinciding with the first-ever White House Crypto Summit, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency released a series of interpretive letters signaling a tangible shift in U.S. regulatory attitudes toward digital assets.
For years the American banking system has been hostile to crypto, often denying services to blockchain-based businesses altogether and earning the nickname “Operation Chokepoint 2.0”.
Now, the OCC’s latest guidance removes key barriers, enabling national banks to engage more freely with digital assets while maintaining robust risk management frameworks.
OCC Embraces Innovation, Eases Crypto Rules Under New Leadership
The OCC is an independent entity within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. It regulates and supervises national banks, ensuring they operate safely and fairly.
Historically, the OCC has been cautious about allowing banks to engage in cryptocurrency-related activities, requiring additional approvals and imposing heightened scrutiny. However, under the leadership of Acting Comptroller Rodney E. Hood, appointed in early 2025, the OCC is now adopting a more innovation-friendly approach, aligning with broader efforts to integrate digital assets into the mainstream economy.