Crypto
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- The Federal Housing Finance Agency has ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider cryptocurrency holdings as assets in mortgage applications
- The directive has instructed the agencies to include only crypto held on U.S.-regulated centralized exchanges at its dollar value without conversion
- The move has prompted the two mortgage giants to draft proposals, potentially expanding credit availability for crypto holders
It wasn’t all that long ago when people trying to buy houses through their crypto profits were told in no uncertain terms that their money was not welcome. The times, it seems, they are a-changing: U.S. mortgage regulators have been told to count cryptocurrency holdings held on approved U.S. exchanges as part of applicants’ financial reserves, without requiring conversion to dollars. The directive, issued by Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William Pulte, tasks Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with drafting proposals to incorporate digital assets into their underwriting processes in what could be a huge win for crypto holders looking to diversify or upscale.
Crypto Crypto Breaking New Ground
The FHFA’s move marks a significant evolution in lending policy. As of June 25, 2025, Director Pulte has ordered the housing agencies to “prepare their businesses to count cryptocurrency as an asset for a mortgage,” specifying that only assets held on U.S.-regulated centralized exchanges qualify. The directive emphasizes assessments of risk, particularly dealing with the volatility of digital assets, encouraging lenders to apply appropriate discounts when counting crypto holdings.
Industry analysts say the change aligns with broader efforts to modernize finance in a crypto-positive regulatory climate, with Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at real estate brokerage and mortgage outfit Redfin, calling it “a big win for advocates of cryptocurrencies who want crypto to be treated the same way as other assets.” Danielle Hale of Realtor.com noted that enabling crypto to qualify as collateral may prevent borrowers from needing to sell holdings—often a deal-breaker—thus expanding the reach of mortgage opportunities.
Crypto Which Coins Will be Accepted?
While traditional banks require crypto to be converted into cash before counting it, this policy shifts that requirement. Borrowers with, for example, Bitcoin or Solana held on platforms like Coinbase or Gemini could now present those holdings directly in their mortgage applications.
That said, no specific list of cryptocurrencies has been published yet, and the list is not likely to be long. Before any practical steps are taken, the FHFA wants proposals to address asset verification, custody risk, and appropriate volatility adjustments before seeking board approval.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are expected to
