Major Banks Adjust Policies Amid Political Pressure – Potential Crypto Implications
JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo are revising internal policies following scrutiny from Republican-led states. Texas and Oklahoma have barred certain financial institutions from state contracts, citing alleged bias against fossil fuel and firearms industries. The TRUMP administration may issue an executive order to curb 'debanking' based on political or religious grounds.
Citigroup recently rolled back a policy restricting business with firearms vendors selling to buyers under 21. JPMorgan and others have clarified that their decisions are not politically motivated. 'I want them to manage my portfolio and stay out of these political ideologies,' said Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ.
The banking sector's retreat from socially conscious policies could signal a broader shift in financial institutional behavior. Such moves may indirectly benefit cryptocurrencies as alternative financial systems, particularly those emphasizing neutrality and decentralization.