U.S. Regulator OCC Clarifies How Banks Can Handle Network 'Gas Fees'

Why It Matters

By removing regulatory ambiguity, the OCC enables banks to safely offer crypto custody and transaction services while managing fee costs, accelerating mainstream adoption of digital assets in the banking sector. The move also signals a more permissive stance that could shape forthcoming stable‑coin regulations.

Summary

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued interpretive letter No. 1186, confirming that U.S. national banks may hold cryptocurrency on their balance sheets to cover anticipated blockchain “gas fees.” The guidance permits banks to retain digital assets needed for fee payments when acting as agents or custodians, consistent with the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act. The policy, announced under OCC chief Jonathan Gould, reverses years of regulatory hesitation and arrives as other regulators draft broader stable‑coin rules. It clarifies operational expectations for banks seeking to engage in crypto‑related services.