US banks can handle customer crypto assets held in custody, regulator confirms

StarkWare general counsel Katherine Kirkpatrick Bos said the OCC has shifted its approach and now appears to favor a focus on integrating crypto within banking frameworks.

The US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has confirmed banks under its jurisdiction can trade crypto on behalf of customers and outsource some crypto activities to third parties. 

Acting comptroller Rodney Hood said in a May 7 letter that banks and federal savings associations can buy and sell crypto they hold in custody at customers’ direction.

The OCC added in a press release that financial institutions can also outsource bank-permissible crypto activities, including custody and execution services, to third parties in compliance with applicable law.

Read more