FHFA Allows Crypto as Mortgage Assets, GameStop Raises $450 Million for Bitcoin, India Eyes National Reserve

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has instructed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to recognize Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as valid mortgage assets. This policy shift marks a historic change in U.S. housing policy, potentially reshaping mortgage underwriting standards nationwide. Previously, digital assets were only accepted if converted into fiat currency. Now, properly documented crypto holdings can serve as proof of a borrower's financial strength, aligning with the vision of making the U.S. a global crypto hub.

This directive applies only to digital assets stored on U.S.-regulated exchanges and requires compliance with federal law. Lenders must integrate risk management protocols to account for crypto volatility and cap crypto exposure in borrower asset assessments. This ensures that sustainable lending standards are maintained.

GameStop has further solidified its strategic pivot towards Bitcoin by raising $450 million through a Greenshoe option, increasing its total convertible senior notes due in 2032 to $2.7 billion. According to its recent SEC filing, the gaming giant plans to use part of the proceeds to acquire more Bitcoin, having already declared it a treasury reserve asset earlier this year. GameStop's updated investment policy now officially allows crypto holdings, positioning it among firms adding digital assets to their balance sheets and strengthening Bitcoin's institutional use case.

On the global front, India's ruling party is exploring a national Bitcoin reserve strategy. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari highlighted Bhutan’s mining initiatives and the U.S. reserve as blueprints, emphasizing that India’s strong renewable infrastructure could support such a sovereign project. However, India’s crypto sector remains heavily taxed and underregulated, with a flat 30% tax and 1% TDS applying to all digital transactions. Despite these challenges, the push for a national Bitcoin reserve reflects a global trend towards greater acceptance and legitimacy of cryptocurrencies.