Bitcoin Magazine U.S. Regulator Allows Banks to Hold Crypto for Blockchain Fees

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has given national banks the green light to hold crypto on their balance sheets for the purpose of paying blockchain network fees.

The guidance, issued in interpretive letter No. 1186 today, also allows banks to keep crypto on hand to test internal or third-party crypto platforms.

Blockchain networks require native tokens to process transactions. These fees, often called “gas fees,” are unavoidable.

The OCC said banks can hold the tokens they reasonably anticipate needing. This could include paying fees as part of crypto custody services or facilitating client transactions. The goal is to reduce reliance on third-party providers and lower operational

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