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ARTICLE · 25 MARCH 2025

OCC Signals Shift On Crypto And Debanking Under Acting Comptroller Hood

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On March 18, Acting Comptroller of the Currency Rodney Hood reiterated the OCC's commitment to ensuring fair access to banking services, including for cryptocurrency firms.

United StatesTechnology
A.J. Dhaliwal
A.J. Dhaliwal
Mehul Madia
Mehul Madia
Beineng Zhang
Beineng Zhang
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On March 18, Acting Comptroller of the Currency Rodney Hood reiterated the OCC's commitment to ensuring fair access to banking services, including for cryptocurrency firms. Speaking at a retail banking industry conference, Hood stated that the OCC would not tolerate so-called "debanking" without individualized risk assessments. He emphasized that banks must evaluate businesses—including those in the crypto sector—based on objective criteria rather than categorical exclusions.

Hood's remarks signaled several key potential policy shifts:

  • Leveling the playing field for crypto activities. Banks engaging with digital asset companies should be evaluated under the same supervisory frameworks as traditional financial services.

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