The US Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is exploring the possibility of recognizing cryptocurrency holdings, like Bitcoin and stablecoins, as part of mortgage qualification criteria. FHFA Director William Pulte confirmed the move in a recent statement, signaling a potential shake-up in how Americans qualify for home loans.

If implemented, the policy would allow digital assets to be factored into mortgage applications, marking a major step toward crypto's full integration into traditional finance. This could significantly benefit crypto holders who may not meet conventional income or asset requirements but possess valuable digital portfolios.

The move follows the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s decision in January 2025 to reverse its controversial SAB 121 guidance, which had prevented banks from offering crypto-backed financial services by classifying customer crypto holdings as liabilities. With that obstacle removed, banks now have a clearer path to offering innovative crypto-financial products, including mortgages backed by digital assets.

While crypto-backed mortgages already exist through niche companies, the entrance of major financial institutions into the space could bring lower fees, better rates, and broader access. Typically, such loans require borrowers to lock up substantial crypto collateral, which may be subject to margin calls if market values dip.

The timing couldn’t be more relevant. A late-2024 report revealed that many lower-income households have started using crypto investment gains to pay off home loans, particularly in areas with high crypto adoption. Industry leaders like Ledn’s Mauricio Di Bartolomeo say wealthy crypto investors are already buying real estate with crypto-collateralized loans without selling a single satoshi.