US Lender Newrez to Accept Crypto Holdings in Mortgage Approval

Newrez, a top five mortgage lender in the United States, will begin recognizing eligible cryptocurrency holdings in its mortgage underwriting process. The change is set to take effect in February 2026 across the lender's non-agency products, including home purchases, refinancings, and investment properties according to a company announcement. This decision allows borrowers to use crypto assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum as qualifying assets without needing to liquidate them as reported by Cryptotimes.

The policy is part of a growing trend in the mortgage industry to accommodate the financial preferences of younger investors. Around 45% of Gen Z and Millennial investors hold cryptocurrency, and the lender aims to address the unique needs of this demographic according to industry analysis. By treating digital assets similarly to traditional investments like stocks and bonds, Newrez is broadening access to home financing for crypto holders as detailed in a recent report.

Eligible crypto assets must be held on U.S.-regulated exchanges or platforms, and their values may be adjusted for volatility in the underwriting process according to lending guidelines. Borrowers will still need to make mortgage payments in U.S. dollars and cover closing costs as stated by the lender.

Why the Move Happened

Newrez's decision follows regulatory developments at the federal level. In June 2025, the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to explore incorporating crypto assets into mortgage risk assessments according to regulatory filings. Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis later introduced the 21st Century Mortgage Act to codify this directive as reported by Cointelegraph.

Baron Silverstein, President of Newrez, stated that the move reflects the increasing adoption of crypto in investment portfolios and evolving regulatory frameworks. "We believe it is the right time to integrate eligible crypto assets into modern mortgage lending," he said according to company statements.

How Markets Responded The market has already seen interest in crypto-backed home financing. Firms such as Ledn and Milo have offered similar services, allowing borrowers to use Bitcoin or Ethereum as collateral according to industry coverage. This trend is expected to expand as younger investors become a larger share of the homebuyer demographic as analysts predict.

Newrez's policy places it among the first major lenders to embrace crypto in mortgage qualification. The company operates as the mortgage arm of Rithm Capital, a real estate investment trust that originated over $16 billion in loans in 2024 according to financial reports.

What Analysts Are Watching

The industry is closely observing how this policy will affect lending standards and market adoption. Some experts caution that regulatory and valuation uncertainties remain, particularly around the volatility of crypto assets according to market analysis.

Analysts are also monitoring whether other lenders will follow Newrez's lead. The firm's move could trigger broader changes in how digital assets are treated in mortgage lending. "The mortgage industry needs to consider digital assets as a real asset class," said John Geertsema of Capco according to industry commentary.

Regulatory clarity and market stability are seen as key factors. While the U.S. Senate Banking Committee has delayed action on crypto-related legislation, the industry continues to adapt. JPMorgan Chase and others have already begun exploring crypto-backed collateral for loans according to financial reports.

The shift by Newrez marks a significant step toward integrating crypto into traditional finance. It reflects the changing financial landscape and the increasing demand for flexible mortgage solutions among younger investors according to industry analysis.