The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued new guidance clarifying banks’ authority to engage with cryptocurrencies, potentially opening doors for increased institutional participation in the cryptocurrency industry. The Interpretive Letter clarifies that banks can manage and trade crypto assets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, without prior regulatory approval. This move signifies a shift towards more permissive regulations regarding bank involvement in cryptocurrencies. While banks are expected to maintain robust risk management practices as with traditional banking activities, this change could lead to increased cryptocurrency integration within traditional banking services.