US Banks Authorized To Hold Crypto For Blockchain Transaction Fees, OCC Reveals
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) — the bureau liable for regulating and supervising all nationwide banks — has introduced that US monetary establishments could maintain crypto belongings to cowl blockchain community charges.
National Banks Allowed To Manage Crypto
In a letter launched on Tuesday, the OCC said that banks are permitted to pay community charges to facilitate actions involving digital belongings, offered the banks can foresee a reliable want for holding these currencies.
The letter, which was signed by the Senior Deputy Comptroller and the Chief Counsel of the regulatory company, states {that a} financial institution’s proposal to handle crypto belongings on its stability sheet for the aim of settling community charges is appropriate below present laws.
Additionally, the OCC confirmed that nationwide banks can maintain digital belongings as a principal asset for testing platforms associated to crypto actions, whether or not these methods are developed in-house or sourced from third-party companies.
Banks To Trade Stablecoins For Payment Processing
The regulator acknowledged that requiring banks to depend on exterior events for crypto belongings might enhance operational prices and dangers, probably deterring thorough testing of their methods.
Furthermore, nationwide banks could borrow securities from custody prospects which can be ineligible for buy for their very own accounts. This permits banks to lend these securities to 3rd events with out exposing themselves to credit score threat from the purchasers.
The tips additionally point out that banks are allowed to purchase, promote, and problem stablecoins to facilitate funds. If a financial institution already possesses the operational capability to handle the acquisition, sale, and custody of digital belongings at the side of different permissible actions, minimal extra operational hurdles are anticipated for buying, holding, and using crypto to handle community charges.
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