Key Points:
- FHFA directs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to assess crypto as mortgage assets.
- Only U.S.-regulated exchange-held crypto will qualify.
- Proposals need board and FHFA approval before changes take effect.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government-backed entities that purchase mortgages from banks, helping to keep home loans affordable and widely available. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) regulates them to ensure stability and safety in the U.S. housing market.
On June 26, 2025, the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William J. Pulte ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to begin treating cryptocurrency as a recognized asset in single-family mortgage risk assessments. This directive aligns with President Trump’s broader vision to establish the U.S. as a global crypto hub.
The FHFA’s order requires the two mortgage giants to submit proposals on how to incorporate crypto into borrower asset evaluations. Only crypto stored on U.S.-regulated centralized exchanges will be eligible. Additional risk controls must be included, and each proposal needs approval from the entity’s board before being submitted to the FHFA.
Previously, crypto was only allowed for mortgage use if first converted into U.S. dollars and held in a regulated financial institution. This update marks a significant shift, potentially expanding mortgage access to borrowers who hold verified crypto assets.
Conclusion
The move follows a broader trend: Major U.S. banks are increasingly using Bitcoin and crypto funds as collateral when assessing net worth and liquidity for loan decisions. If approved, the change would bring crypto further into mainstream financial infrastructure and reshape how digital assets influence homeownership eligibility.
