The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has issued a directive requiring corporations *Fannie Mae and *Freddie Mac to consider borrowers' cryptocurrency assets when assessing mortgage loan risks. The decision, signed by FHFA Director William J. Pulte on June 25, brings digital assets out of the "gray area" into the center of the American housing finance system.

Both entities are organizations funded by the government. Together, they handle over 50% of all mortgage decisions in the U.S. Since the 2008 crisis, these organizations have been under the management of FHFA, so any changes to their rules effectively set a standard for the entire market.

According to FHFA estimates, in 2023-24, only about 1% of homebuyers used cryptocurrency for their down payment. This is despite the fact that cryptocurrency portfolios are already held by approximately 20% of Americans. In the context of expensive mortgages and low housing supply, this new norm could expand the pool of those who qualify based on reserves and income for loan approval.$MOVE $WCT $PEPE