US Regulator Clears Banks to Act as Crypto Intermediaries
The top U.S. national bank regulator announced Tuesday that banks will be permitted to serve as intermediaries for cryptocurrency transactions, marking the Trump administration’s latest step to close the gap between traditional finance and the crypto sector. The guidance signals that established banks can mediate crypto flows, potentially offering regulated custody, settlement and payment rails to a broader set of clients.
Proponents say the change could accelerate mainstream adoption by bringing clearer legal cover, stronger compliance and institutional liquidity to digital-asset markets. Detractors caution it may concentrate custodial power and create new linkages between banks and volatile crypto risks. Market participants will be watching how detailed rules, risk controls and AML requirements are implemented — those specifics will determine whether this opens practical on-ramps or triggers fresh regulatory debate.