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Today, the OCC released an interpretive letter concluding that national banks and federal savings associations (together, “banks”) may permissibly provide cryptocurrency custody services for customers.  The letter, written by Chief Counsel Jonathan Gould, describes custody of cryptocurrency as a modern form of the traditional banking activity of providing safekeeping and custody services, which the agency has previously permitted banks to conduct through electronic means.  The letter also “reaffirms the OCC’s position that national banks may provide permissible banking services to any lawful business they choose, including cryptocurrency businesses, so long as they effectively manage the risks and comply with applicable law.”
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Continue Reading OCC Interpretation Paves Way for Banks to Custody Cryptocurrency

On March 29, 2019, the board of the FDIC approved a notice of proposed rulemaking that would revise the supplementary leverage ratio (“SLR”) to exclude certain deposits placed at central banks from custodial banks’ SLR denominators, implementing section 402 of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (“EGRRCPA”).  The OCC and Federal Reserve are expected to adopt substantially identical proposals.
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Continue Reading Agencies to Revise SLR to Exclude Custodial Deposits at Central Banks

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) is undertaking a study of the asset management market, which manages GBP 6.9 trillion, and is the second largest market in the world after the US. The rationale for the study is to ensure, as part of the FCA’s overall purview, that the UK market works well.  As part of the FCA’s new competition remit, the study is also looking at whether the market is sufficiently competitive so as to offer value for money for consumers.  An interim report was published on November 18, 2016, which voiced concerns about charges, performance, and competition in the industry.
Continue Reading UK Regulator Expresses Concerns Regarding Active Asset Manager Charges and Performance