Crypto Veteran Takes Helm at US Banking Regulator OCC – A New Era for Digital Assets?
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) just got a seismic shake-up—its new chief has deep roots in the crypto industry. Could this signal a regulatory thaw for digital assets?
Wall Street's watchdog gets blockchain DNA
No more revolving door—this time it's a crypto-native walking into the OCC's marble corridors. The appointment sends a clear message: traditional finance and decentralized systems might finally stop talking past each other.
Regulation revolution or regulatory capture?
Banking traditionalists are sweating through their starched collars while crypto exchanges pop champagne. One thing's certain—the 'just blockchain, not Bitcoin' era of regulatory posturing is over.
(And let's be honest—if this doesn't speed up approvals for crypto banks, at least it'll make those glacial interagency meetings 300% more interesting.)
Gould’s Confirmation Sets Tone for Upcoming Policy Battles
His confirmation follows months of debate in Washington over how to regulate digital assets, especially stablecoins. The Senate’s approval comes just ahead of “Crypto Week” in the House, where lawmakers are set to consider the GENIUS Act. The bill aims to set strict guidelines for stablecoin issuers, including full dollar backing and mandatory annual audits for those with large market caps.
Jonathan Gould has just been confirmed as Comptroller of the @USOCC.
Jonathan will continue the important work started by Acting Comptroller Hood to return the OCC to its true purpose of chartering and supervising banks to ensure a SAFE and sound banking system. https://t.co/PnqcBbakgJ
Even as Gould steps in, political tensions remain. Earlier Thursday, Senator Cynthia Lummis, a longtime crypto supporter, initially voted against his nomination, citing concerns over federal preemption of state banking laws and stablecoin rules. However, she ultimately voted in favor during the final count.
Banking Industry Welcomes Gould as OCC Moves to Modernize Crypto Oversight
The OCC has already taken a more crypto-friendly stance this year. It clarified that US banks are allowed to buy and sell crypto assets for themselves. Additionally, the agency updated its internal guidance by removing references to “reputation risk.” However, it noted that banks must still manage all related risks responsibly.
In a statement, Senate Banking Committee Republicans said Gould will continue efforts to refocus the OCC. His mandate, they added, is to return the agency to its Core mission of bank supervision and financial soundness.
The American Bankers Association also welcomed his appointment. It also called for a regulatory framework that supports national bank preemption and a resilient financial system.
Gould will replace Acting Comptroller Rodney Hood. He is expected to help shape how US banking policy intersects with the fast-evolving crypto sector. Moreover, his appointment adds momentum to the broader push for clearer regulation as digital assets gain more mainstream financial traction.
