Trump’s Bombshell Executive Order May Finally Drag Banks Kicking and Screaming Into Crypto

Wall Street's old guard just got served a wake-up call—with a side of regulatory dynamite.

The Forced Handshake Between Banks and Bitcoin

No more toe-dipping. The new order could bulldoze traditional financial institutions into offering crypto services—whether they like it or not. Custody, trading, maybe even crypto-backed loans? Suddenly, 'not our problem' becomes 'show me the revenue stream.'

Compliance Officers Sweating Bullets

Imagine the emergency meetings: 'Do we hire blockchain devs or just outsource to Coinbase and pray?' Legacy systems weren’t built for 24/7 markets, and now the ticking clock starts. (Cue the 'digital transformation' consultants rubbing their hands together.)

The Ironic Twist

After years of dismissing crypto as a 'fraud,' banks might now lobby hardest to shape the rules—classic 'if you can’t beat ’em, regulate ’em to your advantage.' Bonus cynicism: Watch how fast 'risk management concerns' vanish when custody fees hit their balance sheets.

One thing’s clear: The financial dinosaurs either evolve—or become the next Blockbuster punchline.

The White House is gearing up for a new executive order that could fine banks for “crypto discrimination.” If passed, it would be a big win for crypto firms seeking fair treatment. 

Currently, market sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with traders closely watching Bitcoin’s next move. The move, described as the biggest catalyst since the approval of Bitcoin ETFs, would force banks to reengage with crypto firms and could open institutional floodgates into the space. 

New Executive Order: What Would it do?

In a post on X, Crypto analyst and investor Paul Barron highlighted that U.S. banks could soon face fines for discriminating against crypto companies, citing a new executive order from President Trump. He stressed that such a move WOULD force major banks to embrace crypto firms, potentially triggering an institutional money floodgate moment for the industry. 

According to a leaked draft seen by The Wall Street Journal, regulators would review banks for violations of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, antitrust laws, and consumer protection statutes. Institutions found guilty of discrimination could face fines, consent decrees, or other disciplinary measures. The Small Business Administration would also investigate banks that handle SBA‑backed loans, ensuring fair treatment of all clients. 

Changpeng Zhao said that in the past, U.S. banks often blocked crypto-related transactions, but this order could open up banking access for crypto on a global scale.

Why Crypto Investors See It as a Game-changer

The crypto community is enthusiastic. Analysts believe such enforcement would require all major banks to serve crypto firms, potentially ending banking exclusion (“debanking”) and ushering in renewed institutional involvement in digital assets. Most likely, it will create more liquidity, wider access, and greater confidence for crypto businesses. 

This order aligns with broader moves under Trump’s administration, including executive actions aimed at cryptocurrency inclusion, proposals for Bitcoin in 401(k) plans, and creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve. It follows investigations into past alleged “Operation Chokepoint 2.0,” where regulators were accused of pressuring banks to deny services to crypto firms. 

What This Means for Bitcoin, XRP, and Crypto

Some analysts highlight the potential Ripple effect:

• Bitcoin could benefit from renewed institutional inflows.

• XRP and stablecoins may gain easier access to banking rails.

• Startups might find fundraising and operations easier.

• Investor sentiment could shift from cautious to optimistic overnight.

Moreover, Crypto firms have long faced banking challenges, exchanges and startups frequently struggled with account closures and limited access to banking rails. Enforcing this order could force banks to reopen or avoid closing crypto accounts, potentially unlocking institutional capital and boosting liquidity in digital assets

What Comes Next?

The executive order could be signed as early as this week. Regulators, including the FDIC, DOJ, OCC, and SBA, are expected to begin investigations. For now, crypto firms are cautiously optimistic, but the MOVE could be transformational. Those watching include conservatives who’ve faced debanking, crypto startups starved of banking access, and institutional investors awaiting clear efforts to normalize crypto partnerships in traditional finance.

Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQs

The upcoming order would fine US banks for discriminating against crypto firms under fair lending laws, potentially forcing them to reopen services to crypto businesses.

Analysts predict it may trigger institutional inflows, boost liquidity, and improve banking access – potentially becoming the biggest catalyst since bitcoin ETF approvals.

President TRUMP could sign the executive order as early as this week, with regulators beginning investigations shortly after implementation.