The US office of the currency controller (OCC) recently raised key restrictions on banks that engage with the crypto, marking a major turning point in the relationship between traditional finance and digital assets. With this decision, banks can now explore a wide range of cryptographic services, including stabbling, childcare solutions, world payments and asset tokenization, without requiring prior approval. The bank has opened a cryptographic future.
Liat Sheret, director of global policy and regulation at Elliptic, believes that for banks, this change is both an opportunity and a challenge.
Although regulatory clarity facilitates the seizure of cryptographic space, the responsibility of maintaining strict standards of compliance remains. “This decision is a clear signal that crypto is no longer a class of niche assets, but more and more a consumer public perspective,” explains Shetret.
Shetret underlines that even if some banks hesitate, those which act quickly and wisely can obtain a competitive advantage. “This decision is not content to open the doors; It accelerates the race for institutions to capture the cryptography market, ”she explains. “Those who move quickly and wisely will be ready for long -term success.”
The conformity challenge for banks entering crypto
While financial institutions venture into digital assets, compliance appears to be the first challenge. Banks accustomed to traditional anti-flowage frameworks (AML) must now adapt to the nuances of financial crime linked to the crypto.
“Instead of waiting for problems to arise, banks should focus on real -time compliance to take the risks early,” advises Shetret.
She points out that robust surveillance systems are crucial. “By setting up solid surveillance systems, they can – and should – prevent problems before degenerating and avoiding costly damage control later,” she said. The risks of financial crime in cryptographic space differ from those of Fiat transactions, which makes it essential for institutions to integrate specialized compliance solutions, such as blockchain analysis.
Global regulatory trends: a change to clarity
The decision of the WOI reflects a broader global trend of regulators evolving towards policies of structured and well -defined digital assets. While Asia-Pacific (APAC) led with experimental regulatory sandboxes, European regulators have prioritized public consultations and structured adaptation periods. In the United States, the quarter of work marks a transition from a heavy approach to applying a more favorable regulatory framework.
“While regulators from around the world acquire more understanding of digital assets and their risks, they will probably adopt approaches similar to the WEB,” notes Shetret. “Provide more clarity and allow financial institutions to engage with the crypto in a more structured and regulated manner.”
This evolution presents to banks the possibility of developing with confidence in digital assets, provided that they have the good frameworks of conformity in place.
The role of Elliptic: allowing a safe cryptography integration
While banks are sailing in this new land, compliance and risk management solutions are essential. Elliptic, a leader in blockchain analysis and compliance with financial crime, plays a central role in the insurance of institutions safely with digital assets safely.
“Our solutions allow banks to monitor transactions in real time, to exercise in -depth reasonable diligence and to manage the risks of counterpart as well as sanctions the escape and money laundering,” explains Shetret. “By providing in-depth information on the blockchain activity, we allow banks to integrate cryptographic companies with confidence, to conduct medical-legal surveys and to ensure that their crypto services are aligned with traditional financial crime controls.”
For banks that hesitate to enter into digital asset space, taking advantage of this technology offers a way to alleviate risks while capitalizing on emerging opportunities.
Regulatory application and maturity of the industry
High -level regulatory actions, such as the withdrawal of Garantinex, demonstrate the growing sophistication of the crypto compliance efforts. “The withdrawal of Guarantx underlines the growing sophistication of regulatory efforts to ensure that crypto exchanges work in legal frameworks,” explains Shetret.
This case, she notes, reflects the evolution of maturity in the cryptography sector. Exchanges, organizations responsible for the application of laws and compliance companies work together to prevent illicit activity and promote an ecosystem of more secure digital assets. “With the right compliance measures in place, the bad players can be identified and closed, allowing the industry to flourish in a safer and safer environment for everyone,” she said.
Key trends leading to the adoption of cryptography in 2025
For the future, 2025 is about to be a transformative year for digital assets. The Crypto 2025 Elliptic State report identifies three main engines of change: regulatory clarity, institutional adoption and advanced compliance capacities.
Shetret explains: “As we see with the recent change of position of the OCC, regulators are increasingly favorable to digital assets, providing a positive signal, that which the institutions awaited.
Simultaneously, compliance technology is changing quickly. Blockchain’s advanced analysis tools allow financial institutions to monitor digital asset transactions with greater precision, reducing risks while improving security.
It also adds: “These progress, coupled on the growing demand for cryptography services, propel industry in a new era. 2025 will be essential because we are witnessing the cryptographic economy which passes from fringes to an integral part of traditional financial services, driving both innovation and the need for solid compliance. ”
Prepare for the future of digital assets
For financial institutions, the time to act is now. “Financial institutions should take proactive measures now to ensure that they are ready for the future of cryptography regulations and innovation,” advises Shetret.
She recommends three key strategies:
- Invest in compliance executives: institutions must integrate robust compliance measures adapted to digital assets to stay in advance on the evolution of regulations.
- Educating teams and customers: aware of the risks and opportunities related to cryptography will help financial institutions to adapt to increasing demand.
- Form of strategic partnerships: collaboration with cryptographic companies and compliance suppliers will accelerate the capacity of banks to offer services such as custody, stablecoins and cross -border payments.
- “The key is to start small risks with carefully risks and remain agile while the regulatory environment continues to evolve.
The future of banking, crypto and digital assets
Over the next five years, Shetret predicts that the relationship between traditional banks and digital assets will deepen, going from prudent exploration to general adoption.
“While regulatory clarity continues to improve, more banks will recognize the value of digital assets, not only as an investment or a speculative opportunity, but as a basic component of their financial services offers,” she explains. “We will see more banks offering crypto products such as childcare services, stalls and payments, while taking advantage of blockchain for efficiency in fields such as cross -border transactions and asset tokenization.”
The collaboration between banks, fintechs and regulators will strengthen, promoting a more dynamic and integrated financial ecosystem. “Traditional banks will count more and more on advanced compliance tools to manage risks and remain in conformity,” adds Shetret. “This change will create a more dynamic and integrated financial ecosystem, where digital assets are as much part of the dominant current as traditional currencies.”
The recent Decision of the WCM to lift obstacles to banks that engage with crypto are only an element of a larger global movement towards regulatory clarity and the institutional adoption of digital assets. While banks are sailing in this evolving landscape, those who invest in compliance and innovation today will be better placed to prosper in the future.
With the expertise of compliance partners and ellipticals, financial institutions can confidently integrate digital assets into their offers while maintaining the highest standards of security and regulatory membership.
As Shetret says: “In doing so now, institutions can position themselves at the forefront of the revolution of digital assets, ready to capitalize on new opportunities as the market matures.”
