Crypto Mortgage: Newrez Accepts Digital Assets Without Selling

Newrez, a top U.S. mortgage lender, will begin accepting digital assets for mortgage qualification in February 2026. The initiative allows borrowers to use their cryptocurrency holdings for income and asset verification without liquidating their portfolios. This marks a significant step toward integrating digital assets into traditional mortgage lending.

The company is the first major lender in the top 25 to recognize crypto assets in the mortgage process. By treating digital holdings similarly to stocks and bonds, Newrez aims to modernize lending for younger, tech-savvy investors who hold crypto as a long-term asset according to industry reports.

The new policy aligns with broader trends in the financial industry. With 45% of Gen Z and Millennial investors owning crypto, the move reflects an effort to accommodate evolving consumer preferences and financial practices.

Why Did This Happen?

Newrez President Baron Silverstein attributed the move to growing consumer interest in crypto and increasing institutional involvement in digital assets. He emphasized that the current regulatory environment, including a crypto-friendly administration, made it the 'right time' to integrate eligible crypto assets into modern mortgage lending according to company statements.

The company also cited the need to remove financial barriers for borrowers. Historically, individuals with crypto had to sell their assets to qualify for a loan, which could trigger capital gains taxes and force them to exit long-term investments unnecessarily as financial analysis shows.

How Did Markets Respond?

The announcement was well-received on social media, with many users highlighting the innovation as a step toward mainstream adoption. Some analysts noted that the move could set a precedent for other lenders to follow, potentially reshaping how digital assets are valued in mortgage underwriting.

Newrez is integrating the policy into its Smart Series product suite, which includes non-agency mortgage products. This move could encourage other top lenders to adopt similar policies to remain competitive in a market where 45% of younger investors already hold crypto.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Regulatory developments will be a key factor as the policy rolls out. Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte recently directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider crypto as a qualifying asset, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from consumer advocacy groups.

Analysts are also watching for potential industry-wide implications. If Newrez's approach proves successful, it could accelerate the adoption of crypto in mortgage lending and push for more standardized guidelines regarding the valuation of digital assets in real estate transactions.

The broader financial industry is also observing how this policy affects risk models. While some lenders, such as JPMorgan, have already begun exploring crypto-backed loans, Newrez's approach may encourage others to follow suit, further blurring the lines between traditional and digital finance.