A major turning point may be coming in the US financial industry as the country’s housing regulators are considering allowing Bitcoin to be recognized as a valid reserve asset in mortgage applications, marking a significant shift in the concept of collateral – which has long been associated with fiat money.
Changpeng Zhao (CZ) , co-founder and former CEO of Binance, was quick to speak out following news from William J. Pulte, Director of the US Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Pulte revealed that two major financial institutions, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have been asked to prepare for the integration of digital assets into the loan approval process.
On social network X, CZ wrote:
“It’s great that BTC is considered collateral! The current American dream is to own a house. But the future American dream will be to own 0.1 BTC – which will be worth more than a house in the US.”
Pulte said the decision is part of an effort to turn the United States into the “crypto capital of the world.”
Currently, mortgage borrowers in the United States are required to demonstrate fiat reserves—typically in bank accounts, investment portfolios, or retirement funds. Digital assets are not recognized unless they are converted to cash. However, the new FHFA directive requires Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to develop proposals to recognize digital assets as reserves, provided that these holdings are verifiable, stored on a centralized exchange licensed in the United States, and that a risk discount is applied.
The FHFA said that recognizing digital assets could lead to more flexible lending and expand homeownership opportunities. While some experts have expressed concerns about the volatility and regulatory uncertainty of cryptocurrencies, proponents say it is an important step toward institutionalizing digital assets. If implemented carefully and with appropriate risk management, the move could pave the way for other federal agencies to join in integrating cryptocurrencies into the U.S. economy.