The US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued new guidelines allowing national banks to engage in certain cryptocurrency activities without prior regulatory approval.

The updated guidance covers crypto-asset custody, stablecoin activities, and participation in distributed ledger networks. Banks no longer need explicit supervisory approval but must maintain strong risk management practices.

This decision aligns with a recent White House crypto summit and an executive order by President Donald Trump establishing a strategic reserve for bitcoin and select cryptocurrencies.

It reverses prior guidance from the Biden administration, which emphasized stricter oversight.

The OCC has also withdrawn from previous consensus statements with other regulators that highlighted crypto volatility and potential strict scrutiny.

These changes reduce restrictions while reinforcing the need for internal risk controls.