The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued new guidance allowing regulated banks to buy, sell, and custody cryptocurrencies, marking a significant shift in regulatory policy towards digital assets.
This development is part of a broader trend where traditional financial institutions are increasingly integrating cryptocurrencies into their services, driven by the growing acceptance and adoption of digital assets, with over 50 million Americans already holding some form of cryptocurrency.
The OCC’s decision, announced by Acting Comptroller Rodney Hood, reverses previous restrictions and aligns with recent regulatory changes, such as the withdrawal of supervisory letters by the Federal Reserve and FDIC, indicating a coordinated effort to facilitate the mainstream financial integration of cryptocurrencies.
