The U.S. Treasury announced that Rodney Hood, former chairman of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), will serve as head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), effective today.
The report, reported by FOX reporter Eleanor Terrett, draws attention as Hood’s past support for cryptocurrencies raises expectations of potential regulatory changes.
Hood has previously defended the role of cryptocurrencies in the financial sector, citing their importance for credit unions and broader financial services. “Cryptocurrencies need to be part of the credit union system. If you don’t have that, it will hurt your ability to compete with other financial services providers,” he said in a 2021 statement. He also supported regulatory flexibility, distinguishing between necessary protective measures and overly restrictive policies.
One of the most significant regulatory hurdles for financial institutions dealing with cryptocurrencies is the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) Interpretive Letter No. 1179. This guidance currently prohibits national banks from engaging in crypto activities without prior approval, effectively limiting their role in crypto custody and related services.
But with Hood in charge, industry leaders are expecting change. Crypto executives including Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal are predicting that the restrictive guidance could soon be rescinded, potentially opening the door for broader institutional participation in digital assets.
*This is not investment advice.
