A significant regulatory change allows U.S. banks to hold cryptocurrencies directly for paying blockchain network fees, as announced by the OCC on November 18, 2025. This move enables greater integration of cryptocurrency into banking operations and potentially simplifies transactions for digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and XRP. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued new guidelines allowing banks to hold cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum specifically for covering these fees. This policy, under the leadership of Jonathan Gould, aligns with President Trump’s pro-crypto stance and follows the GENIUS Act. Immediate market effects include enabling institutional DeFi integration and reducing friction in tokenized services. Banks can now utilize cryptocurrencies directly for operational costs, impacting assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP. This shift could increase participation from banks in the crypto sector as regulations become clearer. The move also promises enhanced liquidity in blockchain networks through institutional investment. The OCC highlights that holding crypto for fees should only occur when it supports lawful banking activities. Banks must maintain their crypto holdings in a controlled manner to manage risk, potentially leading to increased security and compliance measures in crypto-banking operations. This change has the potential to significantly boost adoption of blockchain technology by financial institutions.