Core Insights - The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued new guidance allowing national banks to hold crypto-assets on their balance sheets specifically for paying blockchain network fees, marking a significant step in integrating crypto into regulated banking infrastructure [1] - The OCC's Interpretive Letter 1186 confirms that banks can hold crypto-assets necessary for anticipated network fees and for testing crypto-related platforms, provided these activities comply with applicable laws [1][4] - This decision builds on previous OCC guidance, creating a comprehensive framework for banks to engage in crypto custody, execution services, and other related activities [3][4] Group 1: Regulatory Framework - The OCC's latest decision is part of a broader framework that includes earlier letters confirming banks can provide crypto custody and execution services, including outsourcing these functions with risk controls [3] - The OCC reiterated that banks can buy and sell assets held in custody at the customer's direction, aligning with prior guidance from 2020 [4] Group 2: Operational Implications - Allowing banks to hold crypto for gas fees alleviates practical bottlenecks for institutions developing blockchain-based services, enabling essential functions like asset transfers and trade settlements [4] - The ruling effectively permits banks to manage network fees incurred for permissible activities, which includes custody, trade execution, stablecoin reserves, and node operation [5] Group 3: Industry Impact - The decision aligns with calls from industry leaders for regulatory clarity, with Coinbase's CEO emphasizing that enabling banks to handle operational crypto would facilitate traditional financial institutions' direct interaction with the on-chain economy [6]

Core Insights - SoFi Bank has relaunched crypto trading, becoming the first and only nationally chartered, FDIC-insured US bank to integrate banking, borrowing, investing, and crypto trading in a single application [1] - The bank supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, with additional cryptocurrencies available, and the phased rollout began on November 11, 2023, with a waitlist open until November 30, 2025 [1][2] - SoFi is incentivizing early adopters with a chance to win one Bitcoin for users who join the waitlist and complete specific trading activities by January 31, 2026 [2] - The relaunch follows a surge in decentralized finance (DeFi) interest post-election, with 60% of SoFi members preferring licensed banks for crypto transactions [4] - Crypto ownership among SoFi members doubled in 2025, indicating a growing interest in digital assets [4] - Traditional financial institutions are increasingly integrating crypto services, with notable examples including JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs [5] Company Specifics - SoFi originally launched crypto trading on September 25, 2019, but services were suspended on December 19, 2023, due to regulatory uncertainties during the bank's charter transition [3] - SoFi's crypto services are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, distinguishing it from other banks that offer crypto custody or payment services without integrated trading [6]