Newrez, a major U.S. mortgage lender, will start recognizing Bitcoin, Ethereum, and U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins as assets for certain nonagency loan programs from February onward, without requiring borrowers to sell them. This move allows digital holdings to count toward asset verification and income estimates, similar to traditional investments like stocks. The announcement reflects growing integration of crypto into mainstream finance amid a supportive regulatory environment.
Newrez, the mortgage arm of real estate investment trust Rithm Capital, has announced a pioneering step in mortgage lending by incorporating cryptocurrencies into its qualification process. Based in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, the lender originated over 52,000 loans totaling more than $16 billion in 2024. Starting in February, Newrez will accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins backed by the U.S. dollar across its Smart Series of nonagency products. Borrowers can retain their digital assets without liquidation, using their value for underwriting purposes, provided the holdings are maintained with U.S.-regulated crypto exchanges, retail fintech apps, brokerages, or nationally chartered banks that comply with federal standards.
Leslie Gillin, Newrez's chief commercial officer, emphasized the lender's adaptability in a press release: "At Newrez, we're committed to meeting consumers where they are." She highlighted the global crypto market's value, which exceeds $3 trillion by some estimates, adding, "This innovation marks yet another step in creating new pathways to homeownership, giving consumers flexibility and control."
Baron Silverstein, Newrez president, described the timing as ideal due to a crypto-friendly administration and easing regulations. "Today, an increasing number of consumers include crypto in their investment portfolios, while major financial institutions are deepening their involvement in crypto assets," he stated. Industry consultant John Geertsema of Capco noted that 45% of Generation Z and millennial investors—key future homebuyers—own crypto, per Coinbase data. He predicted more banks would adopt stablecoins in 2026.
This follows similar initiatives, such as JPMorgan Chase's plans to pledge digital assets for secured loans and its acceptance of crypto exchange-traded funds as collateral. Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to prepare for considering crypto as a qualifying asset, though consumer advocacy groups have raised concerns. Currently, loans involving nonliquidated crypto can only be sold on private markets. Newrez positions itself as the first among the top 25 U.S. lenders to enable this practice.
