Federal Reserve Removes ‘Reputational Risk’ from Bank Examinations, Easing Crypto Industry Access

Introduction: A Shift in Federal Reserve Policy

On June 23, 2025, the Federal Reserve announced a significant change in its supervisory approach: it will no longer consider “reputational risk” when examining banks. This move aligns the Fed with other U.S. regulators, such as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which have also removed reputational risk from their oversight frameworks.

Understanding ‘Reputational Risk’

Reputational risk refers to the potential for negative publicity to harm a bank’s business or lead to costly litigation. Previously, this intangible factor was used by regulators to assess the suitability of certain business relationships. Critics argued that this subjective measure allowed for discriminatory practices, particularly against industries like cryptocurrency that may be viewed unfavorably by some stakeholders.

Impact on the Crypto Industry

The removal of reputational risk from regulatory evaluations is seen as a victory for the cryptocurrency sector. For years, crypto firms faced challenges in accessing banking services due to concerns over reputational damage. With this policy change, banks can now assess potential clients based on concrete financial and operational risks, rather than subjective perceptions.

This decision marks a significant step toward easing the hurdles faced by the crypto industry in gaining access to traditional banking services, and it signals that regulatory bodies are becoming more open to the crypto sector. Financial institutions can now focus on assessing the actual business model and risks associated with a company, rather than dismissing potential clients based on reputational concerns alone.

Regulatory Alignment and Future Outlook

This policy shift reflects a broader trend among U.S. financial regulators to adopt a more objective and transparent approach to supervision. By focusing on measurable risks, regulators aim to foster innovation while ensuring the stability and integrity of the financial system. The Federal Reserve has indicated that it will continue to collaborate with other agencies to promote consistent practices across the banking sector.

This move is also likely to influence the global regulatory environment, as other countries may follow the lead of the U.S. in removing reputational risk from banking regulations. The goal is to create a more inclusive financial system where businesses are evaluated based on their financial viability rather than subjective perceptions.