Federal Reserve withdraws restrictive crypto guidance for banks

The U.S. Federal Reserve has pulled back on rules that previously made it harder for banks to work with cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.In a press release published by the agency on Apr. 24, the Federal Reserve said it will no longer require state member banks to give advance notice before launching or participating in crypto-related activities.Instead, these activities will now be reviewed under the usual bank supervision process. This move marks a shift from the Fed’s earlier stance, which called for extra caution due to potential risks tied to digital assets.The Fed also canceled its 2023 guidance that limited how banks could engage with stablecoins, or “dollar tokens.” In addition, the Fed, alongside the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, withdrew from two joint statements made the same year. Those earlier warnings had emphasized the risk of fraud, misinformation, and volatile money flows related to cryptocurrency companies. One of the withdrawn statements warned that deposits from cryptocurrency firms may be unpredictable and lead to abrupt outflows, while another voiced concerns about the industry’s lack of consumer protections, legal clarity, and transparency.By stepping back from these positions, the Fed appears to be opening the door to more bank participation in crypto while still keeping an eye on potential risks through regular oversight. The agency said that it will continue to monitor risks, but the decision is expected to lower compliance burdens and open new doors for bank involvement in the digital asset sector.This policy change follows a wider shift in Washington. In January, the Securities and Exchange Commission rolled back a rule that had forced banks holding crypto to list it as a liability, easing pressure on institutions. The Fed’s latest move comes as the Trump administration continues to position itself as pro-crypto. President Trump has publicly vowed to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet,” signaling that more regulatory changes could be on the way.