US housing regulator to study use of crypto holdings in mortgage qualifications
The U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is set to explore how cryptocurrency holdings could be factored into the mortgage qualification process.
The FHFA is the independent regulator for crucial parts of the U.S. housing market, overseeing Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks.
"We will study the usage [of] cryptocurrency holdings as it relates to qualifying for mortgages," said FHFA Director Bill Pulte on social media platform X on Tuesday.
The federal housing regulator's consideration to incorporate cryptocurrency into the mortgage qualification process signals a growing mainstream acceptance of digital currencies, in line with their increasing integration within the broader financial sector.
The FHFA director, however, did not provide further details regarding the scope of the study, specific cryptocurrencies that might be considered, or the timeline for the research. The Block has reached out to the FHFA for further comments.
Pulte assumed his role as director in March of this year, following President Donald Trump's nomination in January. Previously, Pulte has publicly expressed interest in crypto since 2019, when he announced the purchase of 11 BTC.
According to Pulte's financial disclosure, posted in February, the FHFA director disclosed holdings in bitcoin and Solana, both valued at between $500,001 and $1 million. He also held shares of bitcoin mining-focused firm MARA Holdings.
