OCC Bulletin 2025-17 | July 14, 2025
Bank Activities: Crypto-Asset Safekeeping Services
To
Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks, Federal Savings Associations, and Federal Branches and Agencies; Department and Division Heads; All Examining Personnel; and Other Interested Parties
Summary
Today the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (collectively, the agencies) released a statement regarding the provision of crypto-asset safekeeping services.
Note for Community Banks
This bulletin applies to community banks1 that provide or are considering providing crypto-asset safekeeping services.
Highlights
The agencies recognize the evolving nature of the crypto-asset market, including the technology underlying crypto-assets, its benefits, and the importance of a risk management framework to manage the associated risks. Banks that are providing safekeeping for crypto-assets must do so in a safe and sound manner and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. As with all new products, services, and activities, banks should carefully consider potential benefits and risks, including risks associated with using third-party service providers, prior to offering crypto-asset safekeeping.
The crypto-asset safekeeping statement discusses how existing laws, regulations, and risk-management principles apply to this activity and does not create any new supervisory expectations.
The OCC’s mission is to ensure that banks operate in a safe and sound manner, provide fair access to financial services, treat customers fairly, and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Further Information
Please contact Chizoba N. Egbuonu, Director for Asset Management, or Julie Stoeckel, Risk Specialist, the Office of the Chief National Bank Examiner at (202) 649-6360.
James M. Gallagher
Senior Deputy Comptroller for the Office of the Chief National Bank Examiner