The US OCC confirms banks can serve as intermediaries in cryptocurrency transactions

Source: CritpoTendencia Original Title: OCC Confirms Banks Can Be Intermediaries in Cryptocurrency Transactions Original Link: U.S. domestic banks can now serve as risk-free intermediaries in cryptocurrency transactions, according to the recent update from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency(OCC). This new guidance eliminates a key barrier between banks and their digital asset trading objectives.

The so-called Letter 1188 states that banks can act as intermediaries in cryptocurrency transactions without holding these assets. In this way, the OCC establishes the principle that clients can sell crypto assets to banks, and banks can concurrently sell the same assets.

Because the two transactions occur almost simultaneously, this ensures that banks do not face exposure to the crypto market.

This authorization allows banks to provide virtual currency trading services in a fully regulated manner. This interpretation aligns with previous measures allowing banks to hold some of the most important cryptocurrencies.

Regardless, the OCC’s decision clarifies the specific role of banks in cryptocurrency trading. This means they are not traders of these assets; their role is limited to acting as intermediaries between business participants. In this way, the U.S. Treasury Department has strengthened its supervisory functions over the crypto trading activities of bank entities in the country.

Cryptocurrency Trading Gains Momentum in the Banking Industry

The rise of crypto trading in 2025 is of immense significance globally. This progress has become a true test of the banking sector’s ability to adapt to survival. Many lending institutions, especially small and medium-sized banks, face the real possibility of falling behind.

This creates an almost urgent need to offer cryptocurrency trading as an intermediary at least. The pressure from clients demanding these services is increasing, and there are concerns that users will eventually turn to platforms where these services are available. It is clear that this is a rather worrying reality for the banking industry.

Therefore, the rise of crypto trading in 2025 has prompted agencies like the OCC to accelerate their regulatory pace. The risk-free cryptocurrency trading guidance is an update related to the recent guidelines on token holdings and limited stablecoin trading.

Overall, this recent Letter 1188 reinforces the same concessions. At the same time, it emphasizes ongoing supervision of activities related to digital assets. Either way, banks can now provide their clients with a secure channel to access cryptocurrencies supported by federal law.

The latter addresses two issues: regulated trading exposure and banks’ adaptation to new trends in blockchain-minted financial assets. The letter emphasizes that banks must continue to apply strict risk controls, including those related to regulatory compliance and cybersecurity threats.