The US banking sector is embracing cryptocurrencies as regulatory clarity allows banks to offer direct trading services to customers. The Office of the Comptroller of Currency (OCC) has issued interpretive letters, granting national banks permission to buy and sell cryptocurrency assets for their clients. This move marks a significant shift in policy, building on previous relaxations that allowed banks to engage in cryptocurrency activities without prior approval. The OCC emphasizes robust risk management controls for these services. Industry experts see this as a pivotal moment for the banking and crypto sectors as it enables traditional financial institutions to compete with specialized crypto firms while maintaining their customer base.