Federal Regulator Approves Riskless Crypto Trading for US Banks

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has greenlit riskless principal crypto-asset transactions for national banks, effectively bridging traditional banking with digital assets. This pivotal decision permits banks to act as intermediaries in crypto trades—buying from one customer and selling to another without holding inventory—minimizing exposure to market risk.

Interpretive Letter 1188, issued by senior deputy comptroller Adam Cohen, frames the activity as a natural extension of existing brokerage functions. Banks have long facilitated riskless principal transactions in securities and derivatives; the OCC now applies the same logic to crypto-assets. The MOVE builds on prior approvals for custody services and balance-sheet holdings, marking the agency's boldest step toward mainstream crypto integration.

The policy shift eliminates a critical barrier for institutional participation. By assuming only settlement and credit risk, banks can now offer clients seamless access to crypto markets while operating within regulatory guardrails. The OCC's stance signals growing recognition of digital assets as a legitimate asset class within the traditional financial ecosystem.