#美联储降息 The United States Opens Its Doors: National Banks Can Now Act as Crypto Trading Intermediaries

There has indeed been a major news development in the past few days. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) clarified in its December 9th decision that national banks can serve as intermediaries for crypto asset transactions. Simply put: banks can buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins on one side and sell them to their clients on the other, earning a spread without taking on the risk on their books. This logic is clearly explained in Explanation Letter 1188, based on four points: comparable to traditional banking services, benefits for clients, controllable risks, and compliance with state laws.

What is the background? This year, the US has made a major shift. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) first simplified approval processes for certain crypto activities, then the Federal Reserve integrated digital asset regulation into routine procedures, no longer treating it separately. Now, giants like JPMorgan and Bank of America can legally act as brokers for Bitcoin, Ethereum trading. What does this mean? Increased market liquidity, lower trading costs, and intensified competition with crypto exchanges.

Of course, regulators are not so naive. Cybersecurity, price volatility, anti-money laundering—these still must follow strict rules. But for investors, the signal is very clear: trust in digital assets is rising, as evidenced by the 25% increase in the crypto market since the beginning of the year. The recent market rally in $BTC, to some extent, is a reaction to this policy favorable environment.