Big news out of Washington: the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) just flipped the script on crypto. On Friday, March 28, 2025, the agency announced it’s ditching old rules that forced banks to get a nod from regulators before diving into digital asset activities. Now, FDIC-supervised institutions can jump into “permissible crypto-related activities” without prior sign-off—a move that’s got the crypto world buzzing and signals a fresh, Trump-era vibe for blockchain in banking.
New Chapter for Banks and Crypto
The FDIC’s latest statement is a clear break from the past. Out goes the cautious, notify-us-first stance from April 2022’s Financial Institution Letter, which had banks on a leash, reporting every crypto move amid warnings of risks to the U.S. financial system. In comes a new playbook: supervised institutions are free to explore digital assets and blockchain tech, as long as they stay within safety and soundness guidelines.
Acting FDIC Chair Travis Hill didn’t mince words. “Today, we’re turning the page on three years of a flawed approach,” he said. “This is just the start—expect more steps to map out how banks can safely engage with crypto.” It’s a 180 from the agency’s old tune, which painted digital assets as a potential powder keg for the banking sector. Now, the FDIC’s rolling out the welcome mat, and the timing couldn’t be more Trump-aligned.
Trump’s Crypto-Friendly Push Pays Off
This shift isn’t happening in a vacuum. President Donald Trump’s been beating the drum for a crypto-friendly U.S. since taking office, a stark contrast to the Biden administration’s chilly stance. At a White House Summit on March 7, Trump blasted Biden-era policies, accusing them of “strong-arming banks into shutting down crypto accounts, blocking transfers, and weaponizing government against the industry.” His administration’s now delivering on that rhetoric.
Bo Hines, executive director of the President’s Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, didn’t hold back his excitement. “This is another big win,” he said, nodding to the FDIC’s move as a victory for Trump’s vision. It’s not just talk—earlier this month, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) also scrapped its own crypto restrictions, greenlighting digital asset activities for national banks and federal savings associations. The feds are singing a new song, and crypto’s the star.
Kicking “Reputational Risk” to the Curb
The FDIC’s not stopping at easing activity rules. On Tuesday, it took a swing at “reputational risk”—a vague catch-all that crypto players say banks used to freeze them out of key services. Critics, especially in the blockchain space, have long griped that this excuse was a backdoor way to choke off crypto businesses, from exchanges to startups. By axing it as a supervisory crutch, the FDIC signals a cleaner slate for banks to work with digital assets without fear of regulatory blowback.
Why This Matters for Crypto Fans
This isn’t just about banks—it’s about you. Easier access for financial institutions could mean more crypto-friendly services hitting the mainstream, from custody options to lending products. With Trump’s crew cheering from the sidelines and regulators loosening the reins, 2025’s shaping up as a breakout year for crypto in the U.S. Stay tuned—Hill’s hinting at more to come, and we’ll be here to break it down.
