The U.S. banking system is officially primed for a digital evolution as the OCC confirms its readiness to support blockchain, stablecoins, and crypto-powered financial services.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the federal agency that supervises national banks and federal savings associations, reaffirmed its position on cryptocurrency adoption in the banking sector

The U.S. banking system is officially primed for a digital evolution as the OCC confirms its readiness to support blockchain, stablecoins, and crypto-powered financial services.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has stated that the federal banking system is well positioned to engage in digital asset activities.

“OCC Interpretive Letters 1183 and 1184 clarify and confirm national banks may engage in certain crypto-asset activities, provided they do so in a safe, sound and fair manner,” the regulator shared on Saturday via X.

The agency’s statement highlights its broader recognition that digital assets are transforming financial services and require clear regulatory engagement.

In March 2025, the OCC issued Interpretive Letter 1183, affirming that national banks and federal savings associations may engage in crypto-asset custody, hold stablecoin reserves, and participate in distributed ledger networks for payment activities. This letter cancels Interpretive Letter 1179, removing the prior need for supervisory non-objection before engaging in these activities.

Later, in May 2025, the OCC issued Interpretive Letter 1184, detailing that national banks and federal savings associations are authorized to provide crypto-asset custody services, encompassing buying and selling assets held in custody at the customer’s request.

Together, the two letters provide a structured framework for banks to explore blockchain-based services.

“More than 50 million Americans now hold some form of cryptocurrency, and digital assets continue to represent hundreds of billions in financial activity,” said Acting Comptroller of the Currency Rodney E. Hood.

“The digitalization of financial services is not a trend—it is a transformation.”

While some critics see crypto exposure as a potential risk factor for financial stability, proponents view the OCC’s focused attention and interpretive guidance as crucial for responsible innovation. They argue that providing a defined framework encourages traditional banking institutions to safely explore blockchain technologies. This support, they add, is key for modernization efforts and expanding access to new financial instruments.