FHFA Considers Crypto Holdings for Mortgage Eligibility

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), led by Bill Pulte, announced its decision to integrate applicants’ cryptocurrency holdings into mortgage eligibility determinations in the United States as of March 14, 2025.

This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. mortgage policy, integrating digital assets. The announcement generated quick interest in financial sectors, reflecting evolving regulatory adoption.

Director Bill Pulte spearheads this initiative, leveraging his background with cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin and Solana. Pulte confirmed that only holdings on regulated U.S. exchanges will be considered, aiming to ensure secure assessments. This move intends to extend mortgage access, also limiting accepted tokens to mitigate risks.

“We’re taking a cautious approach, limiting accepted tokens to those on regulated platforms and considering additional risk mitigants.” — Bill Pulte, Director, FHFA

The policy is expected to make mortgage loans more accessible, impacting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. By redefining borrower reserves, cryptocurrency can contribute without U.S. dollar conversion. This regulatory change addresses market dynamics, aiming to stabilize potential volatility and drive increased custody activity on regulated platforms.

While this is a novel approach in federal housing policy, it is not devoid of precedents in private lending sectors involving crypto. The FHFA’s decision could lead to regulatory paradigms globally, suggesting an increased incorporation of digital assets in traditional financial services.