The US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has given the green light to domestic banks to hold cryptocurrencies on their balance sheets to pay blockchain network fees.
The guidelines, published today in Interpretive Letter No. 1186, also allow banks to keep cryptocurrencies on hand for testing internal or third-party cryptocurrency platforms.
Blockchain networks require native tokens to process transactions. These fees, often referred to as “gas fees,” are unavoidable.
The OCC said banks can hold tokens they reasonably anticipate needing. This could include paying fees in connection with cryptocurrency custody services or facilitating customer transactions. The aim is to reduce dependence on third-party suppliers and reduce operational risks.
“Paying network fees is a necessary part of doing business on blockchain networks,” the OCC said. “Holding cryptocurrencies for this purpose is permitted when it supports otherwise legal banking activities.”
“Ancillary” banking uses
The guidance emphasizes that these activities are “incidental to banking activities”. This expression carries weight in regulatory language. This means that banks can do this legally, as long as this activity helps them serve their customers or operate efficiently.
The OCC even drew parallels to historical banking practices, such as holding foreign currencies, bank notes or shares in payment systems to facilitate transactions.
In other words, banks have always needed to hold certain assets to do business. Crypto is just the latest form.
Banks are supposed to manage risks prudently. They must monitor operational, market, liquidity, cybersecurity and legal risks. The amount of crypto held must remain minimal compared to the bank’s capital.
The letter is written under the direction of Comptroller Jonathan Gould, who was appointed by Trump and confirmed in July 2025. Under his tenure, the OCC has become more crypto-friendly. Previous guidelines allowed banks to act as nodes on blockchain networks, offer crypto custody services and work with stablecoins.
Meanwhile, broader rules for stablecoin issuers under the GENIUS Act are still being developed. But the OCC’s decision indicates that U.S. regulators are ready to allow banks to participate in crypto safely and efficiently.
As more banks explore digital assets, this guidance could accelerate adoption. It connects traditional finance and blockchain, providing banks with a clearer path to integrating crypto into daily operations.
Earlier this year, the OCC issued guidance (Interpretive Letter 1184) authorizing national banks and federal savings associations to offer cryptocurrency custody and trading services.
Essentially, banks can buy and sell digital assets on behalf of their clients, outsource crypto activities to third parties, and provide related services such as recordkeeping, tax reporting, and compliance.
