FHFA Considers Cryptocurrency in Mortgage Eligibility

The US Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is considering the potential role of cryptocurrency holdings in determining mortgage eligibility. This development comes as the agency's director, Bill Pulte, announced that the FHFA will study the usage of cryptocurrency holdings in relation to qualifying for mortgages. Pulte, a vocal supporter of cryptocurrency, holds significant stakes in Bitcoin and Solana, and his appointment as director in March brings a unique perspective to the role.

Pulte's background includes founding Pulte Capital Partners and being the grandson of William Pulte, who established Pulte Homes, currently the third-largest homebuilder in the US. His financial disclosures earlier this year revealed holdings between $500,001 and $1 million in both Bitcoin and Solana, along with investments in Marathon Digital, GameStop, Bed Bath & Beyond, Tesla, and ventures tied to YouTube personality MrBeast. Pulte's entry into the crypto space in 2019, with the public announcement of purchasing 11 BTC and pledging to distribute crypto to his social media followers, indicates a deep interest in digital assets that may influence policy at the national level.

This move by the FHFA marks a notable shift for the regulator, which oversees major entities like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks. Created in the aftermath of the 2008 housing crisis, the FHFA has historically focused on risk reduction and ensuring liquidity in the housing market. Now, it may become one of the first federal housing agencies to consider digital assets in mortgage lending criteria.

Bitcoin adoption is accelerating across both federal and state levels in the US. Texas recently became the first state to establish a publicly funded Bitcoin reserve, following the approval of Senate Bill 21 signed by Governor Greg Abbott. The reserve, managed by State Comptroller Glenn Hegar, will operate independently from the state treasury, a key distinction from earlier proposals in other states. At the federal level, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to create a national strategic Bitcoin reserve, signaling growing institutional interest in the asset.

While Texas moves forward with its Bitcoin initiative, other states are pulling back. Florida, Arizona, and several others have recently shelved or rejected crypto-related legislation, citing concerns over market volatility and the uncertain future of digital assets. This mixed response highlights the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency adoption and regulation in the US.