15.08.2025 23:21
The Federal Reserve has discontinued its specialized supervisory program targeting banks' cryptocurrency activities. This decision, announced in a recent press release, marks a significant shift in the central bank's approach to the burgeoning digital asset sector. The program, initiated in 2023, had subjected banks to heightened scrutiny regarding their involvement in cryptocurrencies and related technologies.
Instead of maintaining this focused program, the Federal Reserve will now integrate its gained knowledge and oversight of crypto-related activities into its standard supervisory processes. This streamlined approach reflects the Fed's enhanced understanding of the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and the risk management practices employed by banks in this space, accumulated since the specialized program's inception. The Federal Reserve explicitly stated that this integration allows for a more efficient and comprehensive oversight framework.
This latest move follows a series of similar actions taken by U.S. banking regulators in recent months, indicating a broader trend towards a more flexible regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies within the banking system. Earlier this year, for instance, the Federal Reserve rescinded certain guidelines requiring banks to obtain prior approval for engagement in cryptocurrency and stablecoin-related activities. This easing of restrictions reflects a growing confidence in the ability of existing regulatory frameworks to adequately address the risks associated with the sector.
The Federal Reserve's decision to terminate the enhanced supervisory program underscores its evolving understanding of the cryptocurrency landscape. By integrating acquired knowledge into its traditional supervisory methods, the central bank aims to strike a balance between fostering innovation within the fintech ecosystem and maintaining the stability of the financial system. This strategic shift represents a significant development in the ongoing evolution of regulatory approaches to cryptocurrencies in the United States.
