U.S. Housing Regulator to Evaluate Role of Crypto Holdings in Mortgage Approvals

In a notable development that could reshape how Americans qualify for home loans, the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced plans to examine whether cryptocurrency assets should be considered in the mortgage approval process.

FHFA Director Bill Pulte shared the news on Tuesday via social media platform X, stating,

“We will study the usage [of] cryptocurrency holdings as it relates to qualifying for mortgages.”

The announcement marks the first time the agency has formally acknowledged the possibility of factoring digital assets into underwriting decisions.

The FHFA is a key federal regulator overseeing critical components of the U.S. housing finance system, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks. Its exploration into crypto reflects a broader trend of digital currencies gaining legitimacy in traditional financial arenas.

A Shift Toward Modern Financial Realities

While Pulte’s post did not offer specifics on which cryptocurrencies might be considered or how the evaluation would be conducted, the move indicates a potential shift in how financial assets are assessed for mortgage applications. As more Americans hold assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, the question of whether these should count toward financial eligibility is becoming increasingly relevant.

The agency’s study could pave the way for future policies that treat certain digital assets similarly to traditional investments or savings when determining a borrower’s financial profile. However, this is still a preliminary step. No immediate policy changes have been proposed, and the FHFA has not released a timeline for its study.

Crypto-Friendly Leadership

Director Bill Pulte’s openness to crypto is consistent with his personal investment history. Before taking the FHFA helm in March, Pulte publicly shared his interest in the space. In 2019, he revealed the purchase of 11 BTC and has remained vocal about the potential of cryptocurrencies.

His financial disclosure, filed in February, listed between $500,001 and $1 million in combined holdings of Bitcoin and Solana. He also owns shares in MARA Holdings, a company focused on bitcoin mining.

While personal interest does not equate to policy, Pulte’s background may help inform a more tech-forward approach within an agency historically tied to traditional banking norms.

A Step Toward Financial Inclusivity?

For many crypto holders who may not fit conventional borrower molds, the idea that digital assets could strengthen a mortgage application is welcome news. Still, experts caution that any integration must be handled carefully, considering crypto’s price volatility and regulatory complexities.

If the FHFA’s study leads to new guidelines or pilot programs, it could create ripple effects across mortgage lenders, financial advisors, and fintech platforms — prompting a reassessment of what it means to be "financially qualified" in the 21st century.

The FHFA’s decision to investigate how cryptocurrency fits into the mortgage equation marks a forward-looking step in aligning housing finance with modern wealth trends. While details remain limited, the agency’s exploration signals growing recognition that digital assets may soon play a more formal role in mainstream financial decisions.