Bitcoin News Today: U.S. Banks Can Now Hold Crypto for Fees, Marking Regulatory Shift Toward Digital Integration

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has granted national banks the authority to hold cryptocurrencies on their balance sheets to pay blockchain network fees, marking a pivotal regulatory shift in the integration of digital assets into traditional banking systems. The guidance, announced on Nov. 18, 2025, allows banks to maintain reserves of crypto assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) to cover "gas fees" required for transactions on decentralized networks. This development addresses a long-standing ambiguity that previously forced banks to seek special permissions for such activities, thereby slowing the adoption of crypto-related services.

The OCC's Interpretive Letter 1186 explicitly permits banks to hold crypto assets as principal for anticipated network fees and to test crypto platforms according to the guidance. This move aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to position the U.S. as a global leader in crypto innovation. Earlier this year, President Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law, establishing the first federal regulatory framework for stablecoins, which are digital tokens pegged 1:1 to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar. The legislation mandates that stablecoin issuers maintain fully collateralized reserves and subjects them to anti-money laundering (AML) and compliance obligations as required by the law.

Major U.S. banks are now accelerating their forays into crypto services. JPMorgan Chase, for instance, plans to expand its crypto custody offerings through a partnership with Coinbase by early 2026 and is exploring the acceptance of Bitcoin and Ether as collateral for institutional loans according to reports. Meanwhile, a consortium of banks-including J.P. Morgan, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo-is reportedly in talks to launch a joint U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin according to industry sources. BNY Mellon has also entered the fray, launching the BNY Dreyfus Stablecoin Reserves Fund to help stablecoin issuers comply with the GENIUS Act's reserve requirements.

However, the regulatory landscape remains contentious. The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) has raised concerns over Sony Bank's proposed Connectia Trust, a federally chartered entity aiming to issue a dollar-pegged stablecoin and provide crypto custody services. ICBA argues that such ventures could mimic bank deposits without adhering to FDIC insurance or community reinvestment obligations, creating systemic risks and unfair competition for smaller institutions according to industry analysis. The OCC has yet to rule on Sony's application, which has drawn scrutiny over transparency and redemption mechanics as per regulatory concerns.

The OCC's recent guidance reflects a broader trend of regulatory clarity for digital assets. In March 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) jointly signaled support for banks to engage in crypto opportunities, ending years of conflicting interpretations. These developments have spurred institutional adoption, with firms like Anchorage Digital investing in compliant stablecoin infrastructure according to industry reports.

As the crypto sector navigates this evolving regulatory environment, banks are balancing innovation with risk management. While the OCC's stance encourages mainstream adoption, challenges around consumer protection, systemic stability, and interagency coordination persist. The coming months will test whether these policies can foster growth without compromising financial integrity.