Newrez is set to begin counting certain cryptocurrency holdings as eligible assets in its mortgage underwriting process, a policy change that could expand access to home loans for borrowers with digital assets.
Key points to remember:
- Newrez will begin counting certain crypto holdings as eligible assets for mortgages starting in February.
- Borrowers will be able to use Bitcoin, Ether and stablecoins without selling them, subject to risk adjustments.
- The move targets younger buyers and aligns with ongoing US policy discussions around crypto in mortgage underwriting.
The change is expected to take effect in February and will apply to all of the lender’s non-agency products, including home purchases, refinances and investment properties.
Newrez will count Bitcoin, Ether and Stablecoins as mortgage assets
Under the new approach, Newrez will allow eligible crypto holdings to be considered alongside traditional assets such as stocks and bonds, removing the long-standing requirement for borrowers to liquidate their digital assets before applying.
At the launch, the lender said it would recognize Bitcoin, Ether, spot exchange-traded funds backed by these assets, and stablecoins pegged to the US dollar.
Assets must be held with crypto exchanges or fintech platforms, brokerages or nationally chartered banks regulated in the United States.
Newrez said crypto valuations used in underwriting could be adjusted to reflect market volatility, while borrowers will still need to cover closing costs and make their mortgage payments in US dollars.
The lender emphasized that the policy is designed to integrate crypto into existing risk controls rather than revising its underwriting standards.
Leslie Gillin, commercial director, said the move reflects a change in investor behavior, particularly among younger buyers.
JUST IN:
Leading US lender Newrez will recognize crypto for mortgage eligibility.
Bitcoin is the new collateral
– Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) January 16, 2026
Leading US lender Newrez will recognize crypto for mortgage eligibility.
About 45% of Gen Z and millennial investors hold cryptocurrencies, Gillin said, adding that recognition of digital assets could help expand access to homeownership for groups that have struggled to enter the housing market.
Newrez’s decision comes as U.S. policymakers continue to debate how cryptocurrencies should be considered in assessing mortgage risks.
In June 2025, the Federal Housing Finance Agency asked Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to study how crypto assets could be considered in underwriting single-family mortgages without first being converted to dollars.
Shortly thereafter, Cynthia Lummis introduced the 21st Century Mortgage Act, which would codify this directive into law.
Lummis argued that housing affordability issues are increasingly affecting younger Americans, many of whom hold a significant portion of their savings in digital assets.
The bill was referred to the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, where it has yet to advance.
Interactive Brokers enables 24/7 account funding with Stablecoins
Interactive Brokers has expanded its crypto services by allowing customers to fund brokerage accounts with stablecoins automatically converted to US dollars.
The new feature enables 24/7 deposits using USDC across multiple blockchain networks through a partnership with Zerohash, removing delays associated with traditional wire transfers.
Once received, stablecoins are converted to dollars and credited directly to customer accounts, allowing investors to start trading within minutes.
Interactive Brokers said support for Ripple USD and PayPal USD would launch next week, building on USDC funding that was first introduced for retail clients in December.
The brokerage said the move addresses a key sticking point for global investors, as wire transfers can be slow and expensive.
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