27.06.2025 20:00
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), a highly influential US financial regulator overseeing major mortgage liquidity providers, has issued a groundbreaking directive potentially reshaping the landscape of digital asset recognition. This directive mandates that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, key players in the US mortgage market, develop proposals to include cryptocurrencies held on US-regulated exchanges as assets in mortgage applications. This landmark decision marks a significant shift from the previous practice of excluding crypto assets unless converted to US dollars.
This policy change, spearheaded by FHFA Director Bill Pulte, aligns with past efforts to establish the United States as a global leader in cryptocurrency. While acknowledging market volatility, the directive requires Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to incorporate robust risk assessments into their new evaluation methods before implementation. This process involves careful consideration of the inherent risks associated with cryptocurrency investments. The FHFA's influence extends far beyond their own operations, significantly impacting the broader mortgage lending landscape.
Bitcoin, due to its established position as a leading cryptocurrency with significant liquidity on US-regulated exchanges, stands to benefit immensely from this policy change. Its reputation as “digital gold” makes it a prime candidate for mainstream financial inclusion. However, the applicability of this directive to other cryptocurrencies, particularly XRP, remains uncertain.
The inclusion of XRP is far from guaranteed. Unlike Bitcoin, XRP has faced considerable regulatory scrutiny in the US, primarily from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While recent legal developments have allowed XRP trading to resume on major US exchanges, the acceptance of XRP by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is not assured. The FHFA's directive doesn't explicitly list eligible cryptocurrencies, but instead focuses on those held on regulated US exchanges, leaving the door open for other significant cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and, potentially, XRP. It's important to note that some international markets already integrate XRP into real estate transactions, showcasing its potential beyond the US context.
