Ethereum Update: Banks Granted Permission to Store Crypto Assets for Service Charges, Indicating Blockchain’s Entry into Mainstream Finance

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has released updated guidance that permits banks to hold cryptocurrencies like

(BTC) and (ETH) for the purpose of paying blockchain network fees, signaling a major change in financial regulation. Detailed in Interpretive Letter 1186 dated November 18, 2025, the OCC on their balance sheets to manage expenses related to blockchain operations. This update comes as more financial firms look to connect directly with blockchain networks for settlement and asset custody.

The new policy specifically

to cover gas fees, which are essential for processing transactions on the platform. The OCC stated that banks can hold crypto for this reason as long as they follow current banking laws and maintain safe and sound practices. could result in operational setbacks, such as transaction slowdowns and higher costs from using intermediaries. For instance, a bank offering crypto custody would require to process transfers on Ethereum, a step now simplified by the new guidance.

This OCC decision builds upon broader regulatory changes introduced during the Trump administration, which aimed to make it easier for banks to work with digital assets.

to process crypto transactions for clients and to delegate related services to third parties. The latest guidance extends these permissions, letting banks hold crypto directly for testing blockchain systems and covering network fees. , which set up a regulatory structure for stablecoin transactions and requires banks to adhere to relevant laws when handling digital assets.

This move is widely seen as progress toward merging blockchain with mainstream finance.

that banks can now manage routine gas fees without relying on third-party providers, which streamlines operations and cuts down on intermediary use. The OCC also noted that any permitted activities must be tied to functions already allowed by law, such as settlements and blockchain-based banking services, ensuring banks stay within legal boundaries as they explore new technologies.

However, some critics have voiced worries about the dangers of holding highly volatile crypto assets.

, emphasizing that banks must put in place strong risk management systems to handle price swings and operational challenges. The guidance also stresses that crypto held for network fees should be kept in amounts appropriate to a bank’s capital and operational requirements, limiting potential overexposure.

This regulatory update is part of ongoing efforts to clarify the place of traditional banks in the digital asset space.

, which is considered the most comprehensive crypto legislation to date. Although the GENIUS Act’s rollout has been delayed by regulatory holdups, the OCC’s new guidance offers immediate direction for banks adapting to the changing environment.