TLDR
- The Federal Reserve has officially ended its specialized program that monitored crypto banking activities.
- The oversight program was introduced in 2023 to supervise novel activities like crypto and fintech in banks.
- The decision follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump to end unfair and politically biased banking practices.
- The Federal Reserve will now integrate crypto banking supervision into its standard regulatory framework.
- The central bank has also rescinded the supervisory letter that originally established the program.
The Federal Reserve has officially announced the termination of its specialized program targeting crypto banking activities. This decision follows former President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at ending politically biased banking practices. The Fed will now shift oversight of crypto activities back to its standard supervisory framework.
Fed Ends Crypto Banking Oversight Program
The U.S. Central Bank stated it will sunset its novel activities supervision program, launched in 2023, targeting fintech and crypto banking. The decision stems from the regulator’s enhanced understanding of crypto banking risks and risk management. The Fed confirmed it will integrate these insights into routine oversight.
According to the announcement, “The Board has strengthened its knowledge of these activities and will now supervise them through normal processes.” This move indicates a return to traditional regulatory measures for institutions involved in crypto banking. Moreover, the Fed has rescinded the supervisory letter that initially authorized the program.
This marks a notable shift in the agency’s approach to crypto banking. Previously, the program was seen as a key enforcement tool during the controversial ‘Operation Chokepoint’ period. The current transition reflects a change in regulatory tone, aligning with new federal directives.
Trump’s Executive Order Reverses Unfair Banking Measures
The decision comes after Donald Trump signed an executive order to halt biased banking restrictions. The order highlighted that regulators pressured banks to sever ties with entities, including those in the crypto banking sector. It instructed agencies to repeal any existing guidance supporting such actions.
The order stated, “Federal banking regulators shall cease and rescind any supervisory guidance used to justify unequal treatment.” This language directly addressed crypto banking discrimination tied to ideological grounds. The directive emphasized the importance of neutral and fair financial oversight.
Consequently, regulators are now retracting policies associated with Operation Chokepoint. The Federal Reserve’s decision to dissolve its crypto banking supervision program aligns with this broader federal strategy. The move aims to eliminate subjective barriers in financial services.
Regulators Confirm Crypto Custody Rules for Banks
In a separate update, the Federal Reserve and other regulators recently clarified banks’ authority to offer crypto custody services. They confirmed that traditional custody standards also apply to crypto banking operations. This statement reinforced the legitimacy of banks’ roles in digital asset management.
The clarification followed growing industry concerns over the ambiguous regulatory environment for crypto banking. By aligning crypto custody rules with existing frameworks, regulators aim to promote consistent oversight. Banks can now manage digital assets under standard compliance protocols.
