Ethereum News Today: U.S. Clears Hurdle for Bank Crypto Services with Blockchain Fee Policy Shift

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued groundbreaking guidance allowing national banks to hold cryptocurrencies on their balance sheets specifically to pay blockchain network fees, marking a significant step in integrating digital assets into traditional banking infrastructure. The new policy, outlined in Interpretive Letter No. 1186, clarifies that banks may maintain crypto assets such as Ethereum (ETH) to cover "gas fees" required for transactions on blockchain networks, provided the activity aligns with permissible operations. This move addresses a critical operational hurdle for banks seeking to offer crypto-related services, such as custody or stablecoin issuance, by enabling them to hold small reserves of digital assets for transactional needs according to regulatory guidance.

The guidance emphasizes that banks must hold crypto assets "reasonably needed" for their operations, including paying network fees on behalf of customers or testing blockchain platforms as per OCC policy. For instance, the OCC cited Ethereum as a case study, noting that transactions on the network require fees paid in ETH. Without such reserves, banks would face operational inefficiencies, such as relying on third-party providers or conducting spot trades to acquire the necessary tokens according to industry analysis.

The agency also reiterated that these activities must be conducted in a "safe and sound manner" and in compliance with existing regulations as stated in official guidance.

This decision is part of a broader regulatory shift under the Trump administration, which has prioritized positioning the U.S. as a global leader in crypto innovation. The administration's pro-crypto agenda includes the GENIUS Act, enacted in July 2025, which established the first federal framework for stablecoins and mandated that issuers maintain sufficient cash reserves as reported in industry coverage. The OCC's guidance aligns with these efforts, removing ambiguity that previously hindered banks from planning for crypto-related costs as part of their standard operations according to financial analysis. Trump's administration has also rolled back earlier warnings against crypto participation and streamlined oversight, fostering a more business-friendly environment.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the clarity, with major banks accelerating plans to integrate crypto services. JPMorgan Chase, for example, is expanding its crypto custody partnership with Coinbase and preparing to accept Bitcoin and Ether as collateral for institutional loans according to financial reports. Meanwhile, a consortium of banks, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo, is exploring a joint U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, while custodians like BNY Mellon are developing platforms for institutional crypto trading according to market analysis. The OCC's guidance is expected to reduce operational risks and costs, encouraging further adoption of blockchain-based solutions in financial services as noted in regulatory updates.

However, the decision has also drawn cautious optimism from some corners of the industry. Cardano co-founder Charles Hoskinson warned that while Trump's pro-crypto push initially seemed promising, the rapid regulatory changes risk stifling innovation through overreach. Nonetheless, the OCC's move underscores a pivotal moment in the U.S. financial system's adaptation to digital assets, with banks now better positioned to navigate the complexities of blockchain technology according to industry experts.