Regulatory Shift by the OCC
The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued new regulatory guidance. Banks are now permitted to hold cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), specifically for paying blockchain network gas fees.
This regulatory shift empowers national banks to integrate crypto assets into their operations. The OCC's new stance, under Jonathan Gould's leadership, aligns with President Trump's pro-crypto policies, especially following the GENIUS Act.
Facilitating Crypto-Bank Integration
The U.S. OCC issued guidance allowing banks to hold cryptocurrencies to pay blockchain network gas fees, announced November 18, 2025.
This regulatory update potentially enhances crypto-bank integration, allowing operational efficiency through direct crypto holdings for transaction fees, affecting assets like BTC, ETH, SOL, and XRP.
Market and Operational Impacts
Immediate market impacts include facilitating institutional DeFi integration and easing friction in tokenized services. Banks can now use cryptocurrencies directly for operational costs, affecting a range of digital assets. Regulatory clarity may lead to increased bank participation in the crypto sector.
Financial and technological implications are significant. Banks are required to keep their crypto holdings minimal to manage risk, potentially leading to heightened security and compliance frameworks in crypto-banking operations.
Official Statement on the New Guidance
“Paying network fees is a necessary part of doing business on blockchain networks. Holding crypto for this purpose is permissible when it supports otherwise lawful banking activities.” — Jonathan Gould, Comptroller, OCC
This could enhance liquidity in primary networks via institutional activity, supporting the adoption of blockchain technology by traditional financial institutions.