The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) in the United States is exploring whether crypto assets like Bitcoin and stablecoins could be considered part of the asset base used to determine mortgage eligibility.
The move could significantly impact how financial institutions assess creditworthiness, especially if cryptocurrency becomes formally recognized in the mortgage underwriting process.
William Pulte, the current director of the FHFA, announced via a post on X that the agency will study the use of cryptocurrency holdings in relation to mortgage qualification.
We will study the usage pf cryptocurrency holdings as it relates to qualifying for mortgages.
If approved, this would represent a structural shift in the way traditional lending institutions integrate with digital asset markets. The FHFA regulates government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which play a central role in the US mortgage market.
Prior to this development, banks were limited in their ability to provide crypto-backed loans due to US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidance known as SAB 121.
Although crypto-backed mortgages already exist through niche financial companies, they are typically reserved for high-net-worth individuals or tech-savvy investors.
If the FHFA moves forward with including digital currency in mortgage assessments, such services may become more accessible and could be offered by traditional banking institutions.
The FHFA has not yet outlined a timeline for implementing any changes, nor has it specified which cryptocurrencies might qualify as eligible assets. However, the agency’s willingness to explore such an option indicates a growing acceptance of digital assets in regulatory circles.
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