OCC Greenlights U.S. Banks for Crypto Custody and Trading with Third-Party Support
The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has formally authorized national banks to provide cryptocurrency custody and trading services, marking a pivotal step toward institutional adoption. Banks may now facilitate crypto purchases, sales, and custody—including tax reporting and fiat conversions—while leveraging third-party providers under robust risk management frameworks.
Industry leaders hail the May 7 guidance as a watershed moment, bridging traditional finance with digital assets. The decision eliminates ambiguity for banks seeking to integrate Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies into their service offerings, potentially accelerating mainstream adoption.