U.S. Bank Agency Drops ‘Reputational Risk’ From Exams

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has removed ‘reputational risk’ from bank examination criteria after feedback from the crypto sector on March 20, 2025.

This decision could lower barriers for banks to engage with cryptocurrency firms, aligning with recent Federal Reserve changes and potentially increasing crypto banking opportunities.

OCC Removes Reputational Risk Factor After Crypto Feedback

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced the removal of the ‘reputational risk’ factor from its supervision guidelines. This change comes as crypto companies argued this factor led to debanking issues.

The OCC stated that its bank examination process will now exclude reputational considerations. Acting Comptroller Rodney Hood emphasized that the focus is on risk management, not on public perception of banking activities. As Hood noted, “The OCC’s examination process has always been rooted in ensuring appropriate risk management processes for bank activities, not casting judgment on how a particular activity may fare with public opinion.”

Bitcoin Trades at $54,000 Amid Regulatory Shift

The latest price data indicates that Bitcoin is currently trading at $54,000, experiencing a fluctuation between $53,500 and $54,500. Analysts suggest that this trend aligns with previous market movements, reinforcing historical price patterns.

Market experts note that easing compliance for banks in the crypto sector might enhance financial inclusion and innovation. This shift could lead to more banks entering the digital assets arena, impacting technological advancements and regulatory frameworks.

Federal Reserve and OCC Make Parallel Reforms

Similar past occurrences include the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to remove reputational scrutiny from its manuals. Historically, such changes facilitate greater integration of crypto services in mainstream banking.

Experts predict that these adjustments may encourage a surge in digital asset banking services. The OCC’s move is seen as aligning with an industry trend toward supporting crypto infrastructure through regulatory flexibility.