Senate Appoints Jonathan Gould as OCC Chief in Cryptocurrency-Related Resurgence
Jonathan Gould, a seasoned banking and crypto expert, has been confirmed as the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) by a 50-45 Senate vote. Gould's confirmation marks a significant milestone in the U.S. regulatory landscape, as his crypto-friendly regulatory stance is expected to reshape the country's approach to digital assets[1][2].
Gould's extensive experience spans across both traditional banking regulation and the crypto industry. He served as Senior Deputy Comptroller and Chief Legal Officer at Bitfury Group Ltd., a crypto mining hardware company, and held senior legal positions at the law firm Jones Day before his confirmation[1][4]. This unique background gives him a distinct perspective that is expected to influence the OCC’s approach towards fostering crypto innovation while maintaining financial stability[3].
Key aspects of Gould’s regulatory stance include:
1. Addressing "de-banking" practices: Gould has openly criticized the use of "reputation risk" as a hurdle for banks in maintaining relationships with crypto firms, calling for its removal from supervisory risk assessments. He advocates for clearer, more objective criteria like litigation risk and anti-money laundering compliance. This change could reduce the unpredictability that crypto companies have faced in accessing banking services[2][3].
2. Encouraging prudent risk-taking: He challenges the overly cautious post-2008 financial crisis mindset that seeks to eliminate all banking risks, which he believes restricts credit availability and stifles innovation. Gould’s perspective favors allowing banks to engage in measured risk-taking that can support crypto and fintech growth without compromising systemic stability[2].
3. Potential policy expansions: Gould’s tenure could see expanded OCC policies that support regulated crypto assets, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, and greater integration of crypto activities within the banking sector. The OCC under his leadership may also write and enforce rules around stablecoins, including requirements for backing and audits, reflecting broader regulatory discussions[1][3].
The impact on the crypto and banking industries could be substantial: with a more rational and predictable regulatory framework, crypto firms might gain better access to banking services, fostering innovation and mainstream adoption. For banks, Gould’s approach could open new opportunities in digital asset services while balancing financial safety[1][2][3]. However, Gould will also face the challenge of navigating a politically divided Congress on crypto issues, balancing innovation with regulatory oversight[3].
In conclusion, Jonathan Gould’s confirmation signals a likely shift towards a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment at the OCC, potentially benefiting both the cryptocurrency sector and banks willing to engage with digital assets, by reducing barriers and encouraging innovation under clear and fair supervision. This development is a hopeful sign for the future of crypto within the U.S. banking system.
[1] CoinDesk (2025). Jonathan Gould Confirmed as Comptroller of the Currency. [online] Available at: https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/03/15/jonathan-gould-confirmed-as-comptroller-of-the-currency/
[2] The Block (2025). New OCC Comptroller Gould: Crypto Firms Shouldn't Be De-Banked Based on Reputation Risk. [online] Available at: https://www.theblockcrypto.com/post/119218/new-occ-comptroller-gould-crypto-firms-shouldnt-be-de-banked-based-on-reputation-risk
[3] Forbes (2025). Jonathan Gould's Confirmation as Comptroller of the Currency: What It Means for Crypto. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/cryptocoins/2025/03/16/jonathan-goulds-confirmation-as-comptroller-of-the-currency-what-it-means-for-crypto/
[4] Wall Street Journal (2025). Jonathan Gould's Background: A Look at the New Comptroller of the Currency. [online] Available at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/jonathan-goulds-background-a-look-at-the-new-comptroller-of-the-currency-11678963512
- With Jonathan Gould's crypto-friendly regulatory stance and extensive background in both traditional finance and the crypto industry, business technology in the realm of digital assets is poised for significant growth under his leadership at the OCC.
- Gould's potential policy expansions, such as enabling regulated crypto assets and integrating crypto activities within the banking sector, may foster a more innovative and stable finance landscape that bridges the gap between technology and traditional business practices.
