Just In: FDIC Revises Guidelines Allowing Banks To Engage In Crypto Activities

Kelvin Munene Murithi
March 28, 2025 Updated March 29, 2025
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Just In: FDIC Revises Guidelines Allowing Banks To Engage In Crypto Activities

Highlights

  • FDIC now allows banks to engage in crypto without prior approval, promoting digital asset integration in banking.
  • The FDIC rescinds the 2022 crypto notification rule, allowing banks to innovate in blockchain and crypto with risk management.
  • FDIC's new guidelines align with broader regulatory trends, easing crypto access for banks, while ensuring safety and risk oversight.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has updated its guidelines, permitting banks to engage in crypto-related activities without prior approval. This shift marks a departure from earlier policies that required banks to notify the FDIC before participating in cryptocurrency and blockchain-related services.

The move comes as part of the FDIC’s ongoing efforts to establish clearer rules for financial institutions involved in digital assets.

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FDIC Rescinds Previous Notification Requirement

The FDIC’s latest guidance rescinds a 2022 policy that required FDIC-supervised banks to notify the agency before engaging in crypto-related activities.

The previous requirement was established in the Financial Institution Letter (FIL-16-2022) that made it mandatory for any institution intending to engage in crypto activities to seek approval from the institution.

This new directive also means that banks are allowed to engage in business models that involve cryptocurrencies and other digital assets provided that the risks are managed well.

FDIC’s acting chairman, Travis Hill said, “By today’s decision the agency rejects the erroneous policy of the last three years.” Nevertheless, the FDIC stressed that banks need to continue implementing standard safety measures for handling crypto operations, including operational risk, cybersecurity risk, and market risk.

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Regulatory Revisions to Ensure Safe Practices

The new policy means that banks supervised by the FDIC may participate in activities in innovations, including blockchain and crypto-assets, without necessarily seeking approval from the FDIC in advance.

Nevertheless, the agency clarified that risk assessment and management remain obligatory for banks as well as liquidity risks, consumer protection, and measures against money laundering (AML).

The newly proposed approach corresponds with the FDIC’s mission in overseeing the safety and soundness of banks while at the same time permitting corresponding innovation in the banking industry. The agency also stated that it would coordinate with other authorities to level up more directives to be followed for crypto-related operations that are acceptable with the banking system.

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Industry Response to the New Guidelines

The change in the FDIC guidelines have been seen as positive by representatives from the industry as it undeniably moves the crypto further in to the banking sphere. According to Bo Hines, who serves as the executive director of the President’s Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, the decision is a ‘’big win’’ for the sector. This means that the entry of the banks to the new digital asset market has experienced less hurdle by eliminating previous approval requirements by the FDIC.

Additionally, the new guidelines are seen as part of a broader shift in regulatory attitudes toward cryptocurrencies, following similar actions by other U.S. financial regulators. Earlier this month, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) also loosened restrictions on crypto-related activities for federally chartered banks.

While the new guidance provides more freedom for banks to engage in crypto-related activities, the FDIC has emphasized that it will continue to engage with the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets. The FDIC also expects to issue further guidance in the future to provide more clarity on specific crypto-related activities, such as custodial services and lending platforms.

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience, offering in-depth market analysis and expert commentary . With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University, Kelvin is known for his meticulous research and strong writing skills, particularly in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured across top industry publications such as Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Cryptotimes, Coinedition, TheCoinrepublic, Cryptotale, and Analytics Insight among others, where he consistently provides timely updates and insightful content. Kelvin’s focus lies in uncovering emerging trends in the crypto space, delivering factual and data-driven analyses that help readers make informed decisions. His expertise extends across market cycles, technological innovations, and regulatory shifts that shape the crypto landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelvin has a passion for chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.