US Banks Get Greenlight to Buy and Sell Digital Assets for Customers

The US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued Interpretive Letter 1184, clearing the way for national banks and federal savings associations to buy and sell digital assets on behalf of their customers.

The guidance, which took effect on May 7, 2025, allows banks to provide execution services for digital asset transactions at customer direction. Banks can outsource custody and execution activities to third-party providers if they have a solid risk management framework in place.

This move gives banks considerable flexibility in deciding what digital assets to offer, as the guidance doesn't specify particular tokens or assets. To launch these services, banks must meet safety and soundness standards, but they no longer need prior supervisory approval.