The U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is initiating a study on whether cryptocurrency holdings, such as Bitcoin (BTC), can be factored into mortgage qualifications. Director Bill Pulte announced on social media that the agency will review the potential inclusion of crypto assets in income and wealth evaluations conducted by key mortgage backers like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks.
Currently, these institutions require crypto assets to be exchanged into U.S. dollars and held in regulated financial institutions to qualify. This prospective change marks a significant evolution as the FHFA explores integrating digital assets directly in mortgage lending processes. It aligns with a broader trend of growing crypto acceptance at federal and state levels in the U.S.
Bill Pulte, who assumed his role in March 2025 after nomination by former President Donald Trump, is a notable crypto advocate. Public disclosures indicate he owns considerable stakes in Bitcoin and Solana (SOL), among other crypto-related investments including Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA).
The shift toward accommodating cryptocurrency represents a strategic move for the FHFA, originally created after the 2008 housing crisis to ensure market liquidity and reduce risk. It also reflects accelerating institutional and governmental interest in digital assets, exemplified by state-level Bitcoin reserve initiatives and federal executive orders promoting strategic Bitcoin holdings.