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Perspectives
Cryptocurrency custody
Ten things to consider about OCC guidelines on digital asset custody
In its Interpretive Letter #1170 issued on July 22, 2020, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued a legal interpretation affirming that federally chartered banks and thrifts (collectively “national banks”) may now provide cryptocustodial services for crypto assets. For national banks, and for state chartered banks in jurisdictions aligning with the OCC interpretation, this guidance holds out the promise of a great opportunity to generate new revenue streams, develop a new client base, cross-sell services to existing clients who want to enter the ecosystem of this new asset class, and disrupt the industry by developing new digital payment and asset protection solutions.
Cryptocurrency custody insights and impact
Given the OCC’s greenlighting of cryptocustodial activities, banks should first consider how to develop a robust strategy that addresses several immediate questions, including:
- Upon entering cryptocustodial activities, how will custody services align with the bank’s long-term strategy? Through staking, crypto lending, other user fees?
- How can banks differentiate their cryptocurrency custody services? For example, can they provide enhanced reliability through a FireBlocks solution?
- Should banks view this new guidance as a first step toward a broader support of digital assets such as Central Bank Digital Currencies?
Teams that have the necessary OCC, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), US Treasury Department, and other deep regulatory experience are not only capable of helping to address these strategic business questions, but can also help guide banks in handling a host of technical questions. Consider the following:
The letter from the OCC is one of many recent inputs, from regulators in the United States and around the world, on digital assets—a clear sign that the industry is maturing. The caution flags raised in the OCC letter and as depicted above are complex. However, our experience in the digital asset industry for the past eight years across all aspects of the ecosystem, as well as interaction with a variety of regulators on the topics mentioned above, has demonstrated to us that these risks are manageable if addressed in a timely manner and with the appropriate level of expertise.
About Blockchain & Digital Assets at Deloitte
At Deloitte, our people work globally with clients, regulators, and policymakers to understand how blockchain and digital assets are changing the face of business and government today. New ecosystems are developing blockchain-based infrastructure and solutions to create innovative business models and disrupt traditional ones. This is occurring in virtually every industry and in most jurisdictions globally. Our deep business acumen and global industry-leading Audit & Assurance, Consulting, Tax, and Risk and Financial Advisory services help organizations across industries achieve their various blockchain aspirations. Learn more at deloitte.com/us/blockchainanddigitalassets.
Contacts
| Tim Davis Risk & Financial Advisory Global Center of Excellence for Blockchain Assurance leader Deloitte & Touche LLP |
John Graetz Risk & Financial Advisory Principal Deloitte & Touche LLP |
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| Brian P. Hansen US Audit & Assurance Blockchain & Digital Assets leader Deloitte & Touche LLP |
Michael Marzelli Audit & Assurance Partner Deloitte & Touche LLP |
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| Rob Massey Global & US Tax Blockchain & Digital Assets leader Deloitte Tax LLP |
Elana Mourtil Managing Director Deloitte Tax LLP |
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| Amy Steele Global and US Audit & Assurance methodology leader for Blockchain & Digital Assets Deloitte & Touche LLP |
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