Homebuyers May Soon Use Cryptocurrency Assets to Qualify for Mortgages Under New Trump Administration Initiative
June 25, 2025 — In a move signaling a shift in U.S. housing finance policy, homebuyers might soon be able to use their cryptocurrency holdings to help secure government-backed mortgages. Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, announced plans for these government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) to prepare for accepting cryptocurrency as an asset in mortgage underwriting.
A New Direction for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
The announcement, made via social media, reflects alignment with President Donald Trump’s vision to establish the United States as a global hub for cryptocurrency. Pulte stated, “After significant studying, and in keeping with President Trump’s vision to make the United States the crypto capital of the world, today I ordered the Great Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to prepare their businesses to count cryptocurrency as an asset for a mortgage.”
This policy marks a reversal from the stance taken during President Joe Biden’s administration. In recent years, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had issued guidelines excluding cryptocurrency-based income from mortgage qualification processes, citing the volatility and unpredictability of the asset class. The current direction promises to offer more flexibility to homebuyers who hold digital currencies.
Implications for Homebuyers and the Mortgage Market
By allowing cryptocurrency assets to be factored into mortgage applications, prospective homebuyers may no longer need to convert their holdings into U.S. dollars as a prerequisite for qualifying for loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This change comes amid record-high average home prices and persistently elevated mortgage interest rates, which continue to challenge affordability for many Americans.
The move could broaden access for a growing segment of the population accumulating wealth in cryptocurrencies, potentially aiding those who have untraditional income streams or asset profiles not fully recognized by traditional lenders.
Background: Trump’s Evolving Stance on Crypto and Housing Finance
During his first term in office, President Trump expressed skepticism about cryptocurrencies. However, more recently, he has embraced digital currencies publicly and commercially. Notably, Trump has launched his own branded digital token and his family holds interests in cryptocurrency ventures such as World Liberty Financial.
In additional related developments, President Trump recently revealed plans to take Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac public once again. These two entities have been under federal conservatorship since the 2008 financial crisis. Returning them to the private sector intends to reshape how the American mortgage market operates, though experts warn this could also lead to increased borrowing costs for homeowners due to the potential removal of government guarantees.
Next Steps and Risk Considerations
Pulte has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to develop detailed proposals outlining how cryptocurrency assets would be integrated into mortgage assessments. These proposals will undergo review and approval by both the FHFA board and the GSEs’ boards before implementation.
The directive also stipulates that the assessment process must include “additional risk mitigants” to address the inherent market volatility tied to cryptocurrencies. How this policy shift will influence investor confidence and the perceived risk profile of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, especially in light of their potential public offering, remains uncertain.
Conclusion
If implemented, this policy would represent a significant modernization of housing finance, accommodating emerging forms of wealth and payment in the U.S. economy. While promising greater access for crypto-asset holders, regulators will need to carefully balance innovation with financial stability to ensure that risks are managed responsibly.
Reported by Samantha Delouya for CNN Business