Banking Regulation
OCC allows banks to broker riskless crypto transactions
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The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has issued guidance permitting national banks to act as intermediaries in low-risk cryptocurrency trades. Interpretive Letter 1188 confirms that such riskless principal transactions fit within the business of banking. This move aligns with recent regulatory efforts to integrate digital assets into traditional finance.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has finalized a rule broadening national trust bank activities beyond fiduciary roles, enabling fintech and cryptocurrency firms to offer custody services without full banking licenses. This follows December 2025 charter approvals and recent closure of the comment period, despite strong opposition from state regulators.
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Following December 2025 charter approvals for crypto firms, the OCC has closed comments on proposed rules clarifying national trust bank activities, while the CFTC issued guidance allowing stablecoins as margin collateral. Banking groups continue criticizing the charters as regulatory arbitrage and 'Franken-charters,' urging safeguards.