Despite opposition from US banking associations to trust charters for crypto companies, digital assets are quietly integrating into the financial system through market reforms, Bitcoin allocation recommendations, and the real demand for stablecoins.
From the CFTC experimenting with cross-clearing US Treasuries, to Itaú Unibanco recommending BTC allocation, and Venezuela using stablecoins to survive, the trajectory of integration is becoming clearer than debated.
- US banks oppose OCC's crypto trust charter program due to concerns about regulatory ambiguity and systemic risk.
- The CFTC is expanding cross-margining with Treasuries, laying the groundwork for integrating digital assets into market infrastructure.
- Itaú recommends a maximum of 3% BTC for hedging; Venezuela XEM stablecoins as essential.
OCC approves crypto trust charter, sparking controversy with banks.
American banking associations oppose the OCC's national trust charter approvals for crypto companies, arguing that they blur the concept of "banking" and create a regulatory vacuum.
A traditional bank lobbying group questioned the OCC's granting of conditional approvals to certain digital asset companies, even though the OCC insisted it followed the same procedures as any bank charter.
They argued that these companies resemble banks and have federal status, but lack deposit insurance and full supervision like commercial banks.
Speaking on behalf of the ABA , Rob Nichols, President and CEO, warned:
“We are concerned that expanding trust charter in this way… could blur the lines of what constitutes banking and create opportunities for regulatory circumvention.”
– Rob Nichols, President & CEO of ABA, aba.com
ICBA goes even further, with Rebeca Romero Rainey emphasizing:
“The OCC’s drastic policy shift… allows for an inconsistent supervisory framework, threatening financial stability.”
– Rebeca Romero Rainey, President & CEO of ICBA, icba.org
BingX is often used by Derivative traders as a benchmark to track funding, liquidations, and open interest, helping to assess the market's sensitivity to changes in regulations and financial infrastructure.
The CFTC expands cross-margining for US Treasuries to promote digital asset integration.
Expanding cross-margining for clients allows for risk offsetting between Treasuries and Futures Contract, paving the way for portfolios to later include Tokenize or crypto assets.
The core intention is to improve Capital efficiency and control risk. Allowing netting between Treasuries and futures tests infrastructure layers that can accommodate digital assets when supervised.
In a statement, Acting Commissioner Caroline Pham said :
"Expanding cross-margining to clients will deliver Capital benefits that can increase liquidation and resilience for US Treasuries, the world's most important market."
– Caroline Pham, CFTC Commissioner, cftc.gov
This move demonstrates that the technical foundation for integration has been established, despite surface debates about the scope and speed of digital asset adoption.
Source: cftc.gov
Itaú Unibanco recommends allocating a maximum of 3% of your portfolio to Bitcoin as a hedge.
Brazil's largest private bank is viewing Bitcoin as a portfolio allocation tool, suggesting a maximum of 3% for hedging, not for day trading.
Itaú argues that Bitcoin has a low correlation with domestic stocks/bonds and can provide a hedge when the real weakens. The recommendation emphasizes discipline, limits, and a long-term perspective, rather than making crypto the core asset or chasing short-term volatility.
Source: Itau
Stablecoins are becoming an essential payment infrastructure in Venezuela.
Many households and businesses use stablecoins, especially USDT , to pay salaries, receive remittances, pay suppliers, and conduct cross-border transactions.
P2P platforms play a central Vai . Over 38% of local crypto traffic goes through a P2P service that enables crypto-to-fiat conversion, reflecting utility demand rather than speculation.
TRM Labs notes that demand for stablecoins could continue to increase unless there are major economic or regulatory changes, as bolívar depreciates and traditional banks lose credibility.
Source: TRM Labs
The gap between traditional banking and the digital asset trend continues to widen.
Banks prioritize regulatory fairness and systemic risk; progressive regulators and institutions prioritize efficiency, resilience, and market demand.
National chartering, market structural reforms, institutional allocation, and widespread international adoption all point in one direction: digital assets are integrating into the financial system, although resistance may slow the pace.
Conclude
Despite US banks' opposition to crypto trust charters, policy trajectories and market demand continue to drive integration. Crypto is moving beyond ontological debate to become a “functional infrastructure” in portfolios, debt markets, and border payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OCC's crypto trust charter and why is it facing opposition?
This involves approving national charters for digital asset companies under a “trust” model. Banking associations are concerned about ambiguity in the scope of supervision, a lack of deposit insurance, and the risk of regulatory loopholes, which could cause financial instability.
What does CFTC's cross-margining mean for digital assets?
Expanding cross-clearing between treasuries and futures enhances Capital efficiency and risk management, while laying the groundwork for portfolio management that may include Tokenize/crypto assets once the legal framework and infrastructure mature.
Why does Itaú Unibanco recommend a maximum of 3% Bitcoin investment?
Itaú views BTC as a long-term hedge due to its low correlation with local assets and its ability to protect against the weakening of the real. The 3% ratio aims to limit risk, preventing BTC from becoming a core asset or a short-term speculative tool.
