US Banks Permitted to Use Crypto for Gas Fees

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has issued new regulatory guidance. Banks are now permitted to hold cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), specifically for paying blockchain network gas fees.

This regulatory shift empowers national banks to integrate crypto assets into their operations. The OCC’s new stance, under Jonathan Gould’s leadership, aligns with President Trump’s pro-crypto policies, especially following the GENIUS Act.

Immediate market impacts include facilitating institutional DeFi integration and easing friction in tokenized services. Banks can now use cryptocurrencies directly for operational costs, affecting a range of digital assets. Regulatory clarity may lead to increased bank participation in the crypto sector.

Financial and technological implications are significant. Banks are required to keep their crypto holdings minimal to manage risk, potentially leading to heightened security and compliance frameworks in crypto-banking operations.

“Paying network fees is a necessary part of doing business on blockchain networks. Holding crypto for this purpose is permissible when it supports otherwise lawful banking activities.” — Jonathan Gould, Comptroller, OCC

This could enhance liquidity in primary networks via institutional activity, supporting the adoption of blockchain technology by traditional financial institutions.