Crypto

Banks In The USA Should Be Permitted To Own Cryptocurrency

Published

12 months ago

March 12, 2025

Press Room

Banks In The USA Should Be Permitted To Own Cryptocurrency

President Donald Trump at the 2024 Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, TN.

The Washington Post via Getty Images

The world of financial services is always evolving, but recently there are signs of a seismic shift. At the heart of this transformation is the rise of cryptocurrencies. Digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a host of others – including stablecoins – have moved from the fringes of the financial system to the forefront, capturing the attention of investors, regulators, and, increasingly, traditional banks. As the cryptocurrency market continues to mature, one question that is becoming increasingly urgent to answer is whether banks in the United States should be permitted to own cryptocurrencies. If banks are to remain relevant in the rapidly changing financial landscape, then participating in the cryptocurrency markets is a necessary and logical step in the evolution of banking.

A Shifting Regulatory Landscape

Since the beginning of the crypto asset class, the relationship between banks and cryptocurrencies has been fraught with tension. Regulatory uncertainty, concerns over volatility, and the perceived risks associated with digital assets have kept banks on the sidelines. Most banks have even shied away from providing any banking services to companies and individuals who had interest in the digital asset class.

However, recent developments, particularly from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), have begun to pave the way for greater bank involvement in the cryptocurrency space. On March 7, 2025, the OCC issued Interpretive Letter 1183 (IL 1183), which provided much-needed clarity on the ability of national banks to engage with cryptocurrencies. The impact of this guidance is discussed in Banks In Crypto: The OCC’s Quiet Game-Changer.

Interpretive Letter 1183 affirmed early guidance that national banks can provide cryptocurrency-related services—such as custody and trading—as long as they do so in a safe and sound manner. The original guidance, articulated in Interpretive Letter 1170 in July 2020, was never withdrawn, but for almost five years it was practically disavowed.

Although the OCC has shown a path for banks to offer cryptocurrency services, the question of direct bank ownership of cryptocurrency remains a sticking point. In a joint statement from the OCC, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and Federal Reserve in January 2023, banks were cautioned against holding public cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin on their balance sheets (read: prohibited). The restriction, rooted in concerns over risk and stability, feels increasingly out of step with the realities of the modern financial system. The OCC recognized that was time to revisit this stance, and Acting Comptroller of the Currency Rodney E. Hood announced the OCC withdrew from the joint statement. Subject to safety and soundness considerations, according to the OCC, national banks have the ability to own cryptocurrencies outright.

Bringing Trust and Stability to a Volatile Market

Perhaps the strongest argument for allowing banks to provide products and services in cryptocurrency, and to own cryptocurrencies directly, is their unique ability to bring trust and stability to a market that desperately needs it. Banks have centuries of experience managing complex financial assets, from stocks and bonds to derivatives and foreign exchange. They operate under some of the strictest regulatory frameworks in the world, with requirements for capital reserves, liquidity, and consumer protection that far exceed those of the average fintech or cryptocurrency exchange.

Consider the high-profile collapses of platforms like FTX, Celsius, Voyager, and BlockFi, which left investors reeling from billions in losses. These failures underscored the risks of operating in a largely unregulated environment. By contrast, banks offer a level of security and oversight that is unmatched in the cryptocurrency space. FDIC insurance, rigorous compliance standards, and robust risk management protocols mean that customers can engage with digital assets through a bank with far greater confidence than they can through a standalone crypto exchange or lightly regulated fintech. Allowing banks to own cryptocurrencies would leverage this infrastructure to create a safer, more reliable ecosystem for digital assets.

New Revenue Streams and Competitive Relevance

Beyond stability, there is a compelling business case for allowing banks to own and provide services in cryptocurrencies. The cryptocurrency market can no longer be considered a financial niche: it is a multi-trillion-dollar asset class that continues to attract significant capital from investors across the spectrum. Banks that can custody, trade, and hold digital assets stand to capture a share of this growing market. More importantly, engaging with cryptocurrencies will allow banks to remain competitive in an era where younger generations—millennials and Gen Z—are increasingly integrating digital assets into their financial lives.

Take custody services as an example. As institutional interest in cryptocurrencies grows, so does the demand for secure storage solutions. Banks, with their established expertise in safeguarding assets, are perfectly positioned to meet this need. If permitted to own cryptocurrencies, banks could also offer innovative products—think crypto-backed loans or yield-generating accounts—that would attract tech-savvy customers and diversify revenue streams. In a financial landscape where margins are under constant pressure and fintech and crypto-native firms are encroaching on traditional banking activities, banks cannot afford to be forced to remain sitting on the sidelines.

Managing the Risks

It goes without saying that a discussion of banks and cryptocurrencies would not be complete without addressing the question of the risks. The price of Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has been known to swing 20% in a single day, a level of volatility that captures the attention of even seasoned risk managers. Critics have argued that by exposing banks to such fluctuations cryptocurrencies could jeopardize their stability and, by extension, the broader financial system. It is a fair concern—but one that overlooks and does not give appropriate credit to the proven ability of the banking industry to manage volatile assets.

Banks already navigate turbulent markets like foreign exchange and commodities with sophisticated tools: diversification, hedging strategies, and strict exposure limits. Applying these same principles to cryptocurrencies is both feasible and practical. Banks could further mitigate risks by focusing on well-established digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which have already been designated digital commodities. The cryptocurrencies with significant market capitalizations also offer greater liquidity and resilience than newer, untested tokens. With proper regulatory guardrails—such as capital requirements tailored to crypto holdings—the risks can be managed effectively.

The Need for Regulatory Clarity

Regulatory clarity is traditionally the strength of the financial markets in the USA, and one of the reasons that the capital markets are the largest in the world. The American banking system is the engine for growth for the greater economy, and that engine does not function well when there is uncertainty. The OCC Interpretive Letter 1183 is a giant step forward, but the OCC does not have the authority to address bank ownership of cryptocurrencies on their own. With the newly reasserted OCC guidance, the 2023 joint statement from federal regulators creates a contradictory message: banks can engage with cryptocurrencies, but they cannot fully participate. This ambiguity will continue to stifle innovation and will leave banks uncertain about how to proceed, or whether they are permitted to proceed at all.

What is needed is a clear, consistent framework that allows banks to own cryptocurrencies and provide customers with products and services all while ensuring safety and soundness. The OCC, FDIC, and Federal Reserve should work together to update their guidance, drawing on lessons from the past decade of cryptocurrency evolution. Clear rules would not only protect consumers but also give banks the confidence to invest in the infrastructure—including blockchain integration and cybersecurity—needed to support digital asset ownership.

A Modern Financial System

Finally, the benefits of bank-owned cryptocurrencies extend beyond the institutions themselves. The broader financial system stands to gain from the modernization that digital assets can bring. Blockchain technology, which underpins cryptocurrencies, offers the potential to streamline cross-border payments, reduce transaction costs, and push financial institutions to move towards true round-the-clock operations. Banks, with their vast networks and customer bases, are ideally positioned to drive these innovations forward. By owning and integrating cryptocurrencies into their operations, banks can bridge the gap between traditional finance and the emerging digital economy.

Banks also cannot afford to be left behind from the growth in the use of stablecoins. Customer expectations are growing for the modernization of the payment infrastructure. Traditional payment rails are not enough, and customers are demanding alternatives. If banks are not involved in the innovation of stablecoins then banks risk fintech companies completely usurping their role in the space.

The Path Forward

The cryptocurrency revolution is here to stay, and banks must be allowed to play a central role in shaping the future. The recent guidance from the OCC is both a positive regulatory signal and a move in the right direction, but it is only the beginning of what is required. Permitting banks to own cryptocurrencies would harness their expertise to bring trust and stability to the market, unlock new opportunities for growth, and modernize the financial system for the digital age. The active involvement of banks will help ensure that the volatility is in the asset, and not in the stability of the financial institutions providing cryptocurrency services to customers. The risks are real, but they are manageable—and the rewards far outweigh them. It is time for regulators to take the next step and let banks join the crypto revolution in full. The future of finance depends on it.

Related Topics:banking Banks Bitcoin crypto cryptocurrency ether FDIC federal reserve OCC regulation

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Crypto

BitGW Expands Global Ecosystem by Seeking Affiliate Partners Worldwide

Published

9 hours ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

BitGW Expands Global Ecosystem by Seeking Affiliate Partners Worldwide

NEW YORK, March 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cryptocurrency industry continues to grow globally, digital asset platforms are increasingly turning to community partnerships to accelerate adoption. BitGW, a global cryptocurrency exchange focused on secure and compliant crypto trading, is actively seeking affiliate partners as part of its ongoing efforts to expand its global ecosystem and connect with new audiences.

Founded in 2023, BitGW has positioned itself as a technology-driven digital asset trading platform serving users across multiple regions. With a remote-first operating model and an international team, the exchange has developed an infrastructure designed to support the borderless nature of the cryptocurrency market. As the platform continues to grow, BitGW is now inviting affiliates from across the crypto industry to participate in promoting the platform and contributing to the expansion of its trading ecosystem.

The company is currently looking for a wide range of affiliate partners, including cryptocurrency influencers, trading educators, digital media outlets, blockchain communities, and independent content creators. By collaborating with these partners, BitGW aims to strengthen connections with the global crypto community while expanding awareness of its platform and services.

Affiliate partners will play an important role in introducing BitGW to new users and communities. Through content creation, educational resources, market insights, and community engagement, affiliates can help promote the platform and highlight its features to audiences interested in cryptocurrency trading and digital assets. The Affiliate Program provides additional information for potential partners interested in participating in the initiative.

In recent years, affiliate partnerships have become a key growth channel for many digital asset platforms. Influencers, analysts, and specialized crypto media often serve as trusted sources of information for both new and experienced traders. By working closely with these voices, exchanges can better reach audiences who are actively engaged in the evolving Web3 ecosystem.

BitGW believes that collaboration with affiliates can help strengthen the overall crypto ecosystem by encouraging greater participation and education within the industry. Through partnerships with creators and community leaders, the platform hopes to support broader awareness of digital asset trading while building stronger connections between the exchange and the global cryptocurrency community.

The affiliate initiative is also part of BitGW’s broader strategy to expand its international presence. While the program is initially available in selected regions, the company plans to continue exploring additional partnership opportunities as its global footprint grows.

As cryptocurrency markets continue to evolve, community-driven growth is becoming an increasingly important factor for platforms seeking long-term development. By inviting affiliates from across the digital asset industry to join its network, BitGW aims to build a collaborative ecosystem where creators, communities, and trading platforms can grow together.

Through this initiative, BitGW is encouraging interested affiliates, media platforms, and crypto influencers to explore partnership opportunities and take part in promoting the next phase of digital asset adoption.

CONTACT:

Website: https://www.bitgw.com
Contact Person: Marcellino
Email: Support@bitgw.com
Company Name: BITGW CO., LTD

Disclaimer: This content is provided by BITGW CO., LTD. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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Crypto

Here’s Why Bitcoin Price Must Not Fall To $54K: Analyst

Published

21 hours ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

Here’s Why Bitcoin Price Must Not Fall To K: Analyst

Over the past few days, the Bitcoin price has had one of its better performances so far in the first quarter of 2026. Catalyzed by the rising geopolitical tensions between US-Isreal and Iran, the premier cryptocurrency climbed to $74,000 over the past week.

However, the Bitcoin price did not take long before retreating back below the psychological $70,000 level, confirming that the latest rally was merely a relief. With the bearish market structure still in place, it remains to be seen how low the price of BTC will go in its current phase.

$70 Million Worth Of Longs At Risk Of Liquidation

In a new post on the social media platform X, crypto analyst Ali Martinez revealed why a further decline to around $54,000 in the remaining period of this phase is possible and could be bad news for both investors and the Bitcoin price. Hence, the $54,000 mark could be an extremely pivotal region for the flagship cryptocurrency in this bear market.

Martinez’s evaluation revolves around the Aggregated Liquidation Levels Heatmap metric, which visualizes price zones with high concentrations of long or short liquidations. As expected, the red (hot) color on the map signifies a concentrated liquidation point of several high-leverage positions, often with high liquidity.

These high-liquidity spots often have a somewhat magnetic effect, with prices often drawn to them. According to Martinez, this “hot” zone for the Bitcoin price lies around the $54,000 mark, with over $70 million worth of long positions at risk of liquidation.

Ordinarily, a Bitcoin price drop to around $54,000 would do extra damage to the already low market sentiment. Meanwhile, from a technical perspective, the significant liquidation cascade likely to occur at that level could lead to a phenomenon called a “Long Squeeze,” where the flagship cryptocurrency continues its decline with renewed momentum.

For clarity, a Long Squeeze typically occurs when the falling price of a cryptocurrency (in this case, Bitcoin) forces bull traders to sell their assets either to cut losses or to break even. This sell-off catalyzes the ongoing bearish reaction and sends the BTC price further downwards.

Ultimately, the $54,000 region, which is also around the realized price, appears to be one of the most critical levels for the Bitcoin price trajectory over the next few months.

Bitcoin Price At A Glance

As of this writing, the price of BTC stands at around $67,830, reflecting an over 4% decline in the past 24 hours. Since reaching its one-month high around $74,000 on Wednesday, March 4, the premier cryptocurrency has retraced by nearly 10%.

Crypto

Analysts Predict Conservative XRP Price If It Follows 2017 Run

Published

1 day ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

XRP is at the center of ultra-bullish calls after two crypto commentators pointed to a 2017-style fractal as the basis for a major breakout. The latest discussion started with analyst CryptoBull, who predicted that the XRP price is on track for $10 to $11 by the end of March if its price action continues to follow its 2017 structure.

That outlook then led to a much bigger response from Remi Relief, who said his own conservative target for this cycle is four digits between $1,200 and $1,700.

CryptoBull’s Fractal Call To Double Digits

CryptoBull’s prediction is built around a familiar XRP talking point: that the cryptocurrency is tracing a structure similar to its 2017 breakout. A 2017 comparison is one of the strongest bullish narratives available for the crypto because it points to the one period in XRP’s history when price moved from relative quiet into a parabolic run in a short time period.

In his technical analysis, CryptoBull said he now believes XRP is following the 2017 fractal and that this setup could take the cryptocurrency to $10-$11 by the end of March, adding that he expected six more days sideways before a push higher.

The chart attached to that post shows XRP moving through a flat, compressed range under a horizontal resistance zone on the daily candlestick chart, with the green fractal path projecting a rally once that resistance is broken.

The structure is simple enough to explain: long consolidation, breakout through resistance, brief pause, then a vertical continuation. In other words, the chart is not presenting a slow grind upward like you might expect considering XRP’s recent price action. It is presenting a replay of XRP’s most explosive behavior back in 2017.

XRP Price Chart. Source: @CryptoBull2020 On X

Remi Relief Takes The Same Setup To An Extreme

Remi Relief took that same broad idea and pushed it far above CryptoBull’s target. In his response, he said that in 2024 he had already stated XRP would follow the 2017 run and go to $1,200 conservatively in this cycle. The move was delayed, although this is something he warned about back in June 2025 and after revising his thinking, his target range became $1,200 to $1,700.

CryptoBull’s $10 to $11 call is already a massive move from current levels, but it still sits within the realm of numbers that are possible based on XRP’s current circulating supply. A $10 price would imply a market capitalization of about $610 billion, and $11 would imply about $671 billion. On the other hand, a move to $1,200 would imply about $73.2 trillion, while $1,700 would imply about $103.7 trillion in market cap.

The real significance of these predictions may not be whether XRP actually reaches four-digit prices. It may be what they say about sentiment among XRP traders right now. At the time of writing, XRP is trading around $1.37, with an intraday range of $1.35 to $1.41. This shows that the cryptocurrency is far below the predicted price levels. However, there are many traders with an ultra-bullish bias who are still willing to rally around any setup that resembles 2017.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView