Texas’ Monet Bank Makes Bold Shift Into Crypto Infrastructure Under Easing U.S. Regulation

Texas-based Monet Bank is officially entering the digital asset sector, positioning itself as a new “infrastructure bank” for crypto businesses at a moment when U.S. regulators under President Trump are softening restrictions on banks handling digital assets.

The move marks one of the most significant pivots by a traditional community bank toward crypto services in recent years and signals shifting attitudes within the banking system toward blockchain technologies.

Monet Bank’s Pivot Toward Digital Asset Services

Monet Bank, formerly known as Beal Bank, secured regulatory approval from the Texas Department of Banking to refocus its operations on digital assets. The institution plans to rebuild itself around crypto-related financial services, offering exchange capabilities, stablecoin-powered payment infrastructure, and tools that allow Web3 firms to manage fiat and digital assets seamlessly.

The bank remains relatively small by U.S. standards, holding under $6 billion in assets and about $1 billion in capital. Founded in 1988 by billionaire Andy Beal, Monet is now aiming to fill a gap in the U.S. market by providing direct, regulated banking rails for crypto companies that have long struggled to secure dependable financial partners.

Importantly, this Monet Bank is unrelated to the publicly traded MONET (Moneta Money Bank a.s.) in the Czech Republic, whose stock performance does not affect nor reflect developments at the Texas institution.

Competitive Landscape: A New Class of Crypto-Friendly Banks

Monet Bank joins an emerging group of U.S. financial institutions taking dedicated steps into the digital asset sector. Earlier this week, N3XT, created by former Signature Bank leadership, launched as a full-reserve, blockchain-powered narrow bank. In October, Erebor Bank secured a conditional OCC charter allowing it to build crypto-focused infrastructure as well.

Together, these developments suggest the early stages of a new competitive field: regulated banks built from the ground up to support stablecoin issuers, exchanges, tokenized payment systems, and Web3 enterprises that require seamless interoperability between fiat and crypto.

Regulators Shift Their Approach Under the New Policy Environment

Monet’s approval comes as U.S. federal agencies pull back from the restrictive posture that emerged after the 2022–2023 banking stresses. Regulators are now withdrawing previous warnings and introducing guidance that expands access for banks willing to bank crypto firms. This shift is part of a broader recalibration under the Trump administration, one that aims to normalize digital asset banking rather than isolate it.

The easing extends beyond crypto. U.S. bank regulators are also relaxing post-crisis limits on leveraged loans, a signal that the broader financial system is entering a more permissive environment for risk-taking and capital innovation.

At the same time, the FDIC is expected to introduce new rules tied to the GENIUS Act, further shaping how digital asset businesses will interface with the banking system going forward.

A Rapidly Evolving Banking Landscape for Crypto Firms

The combination of Monet’s approval, N3XT’s launch, regulatory recalibrations, and upcoming FDIC guidelines highlights a pivotal moment for crypto banking in the United States. After years of fragmented access and regulatory uncertainty, digital asset firms may soon see a more stable, interoperable framework for essential financial services.

Monet Bank’s shift captures this transition clearly: traditional banking infrastructure is beginning to adapt to crypto’s operational needs rather than forcing crypto to adapt to legacy constraints. And as more institutions move in this direction, the divide between digital assets and traditional finance continues to narrow.