U.S. banks accused of reinitiating "Choke Point 2.0" against Crypto 🇺🇸
Preliminary reports from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) indicate that many major national banks have restricted or denied services to completely legal businesses, including crypto companies. This decision is not based on financial risk but solely due to the nature of the industry.
What is Operation Choke Point?
The program was originally initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2013, pressuring banks to view certain legal sectors as "high risk." Although it officially ended in 2017, many in the crypto community believe that a covert revival – "Choke Point 2.0" – is underway. This is reinforced by internal FDIC documents expressing skepticism towards digital assets.
Industries under closer scrutiny
The OCC noted increasing restrictions on sectors such as crypto, oil and gas, coal, firearms, private prisons, tobacco/vape, and adult entertainment. The review includes JPMorgan, Bank of America, Citi, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, Capital One, PNC, TD Bank, and BMO.
OCC's stance
Auditor Jonathan V. Gould affirmed the agency's commitment to preventing banks or regulators from using the financial system as a pressure tool. Thousands of complaints are still under investigation.
Changing perspectives on Crypto
The OCC recently confirmed that banks may hold crypto on their balance sheets to pay blockchain fees and engage in risk-free principal transactions with digital assets.
#CryptoNews #ChokePoint
#USBanks