Newrez Mortgage Lender Incorporates Cryptocurrency in Loan Approvals

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Newrez is poised to start recognizing certain cryptocurrency holdings as eligible assets in its mortgage underwriting process, a shift in policy that may broaden home loan access for those with digital assets.

Key Takeaways:

  • Beginning in February, Newrez will count select crypto holdings as qualifying assets for mortgages.
  • Borrowers will have the option to use Bitcoin, Ether, and without the need to liquidate them, subject to risk adjustments.
  • This initiative targets younger buyers and aligns with ongoing discussions in the US regarding crypto in mortgage underwriting.

The alteration is anticipated to be implemented in February and will encompass the lender’s non-agency offerings, including home purchases, refinancings, and investment properties.

Newrez to Recognize Bitcoin, Ether, and Stablecoins as Mortgage Assets

With this new strategy, Newrez will permit qualifying crypto holdings to be evaluated alongside conventional assets like stocks and bonds, eliminating a long-held requirement for borrowers to convert their digital assets before applying.

At the outset, the lender indicated it would acknowledge Bitcoin, Ether, spot exchange-traded funds linked to those assets, and U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins.

The assets must be maintained with US-regulated crypto exchanges or fintech platforms, brokerages, or nationally chartered banks.

Newrez mentioned that crypto valuations used in the underwriting process may be adjusted to account for market fluctuations, while borrowers will still be required to cover closing costs and make mortgage payments in US dollars.

The lender stressed that the policy aims to incorporate crypto within the current risk management framework rather than change its underwriting principles.

Chief commercial officer Leslie Gillin remarked that this decision reflects the evolving behavior of investors, particularly among younger demographics.

JUST IN: Newrez Mortgage Lender Incorporates Cryptocurrency in Loan Approvals0 Major US lender Newrez to acknowledge crypto for mortgage eligibility.
Bitcoin is the new collateral Newrez Mortgage Lender Incorporates Cryptocurrency in Loan Approvals1 pic.twitter.com/1GEyMzHuoT

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According to Gillin, approximately 45% of Gen Z and Millennial investors possess cryptocurrency, adding that recognizing digital assets could enhance access to homeownership for groups that have faced challenges in entering the housing market.

Newrez’s initiative coincides with ongoing debates among US policymakers regarding how cryptocurrencies should be integrated into mortgage risk evaluations.

In June 2025, the Federal Housing Finance Agency instructed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to examine how crypto assets might be included in single-family mortgage underwriting without needing to be converted into dollars first.

Shortly thereafter, Cynthia Lummis introduced the 21st Century Mortgage Act, which would formalize that directive into law.

Lummis contended that housing affordability issues increasingly impact younger Americans, many of whom have a substantial portion of their savings in digital assets.

The bill has been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, where it has yet to progress.

Interactive Brokers Enables 24/7 Account Funding With Stablecoins

Interactive Brokers has broadened its cryptocurrency services by allowing clients to fund their brokerage accounts with stablecoins that are automatically converted into US dollars.

This new capability facilitates 24/7 deposits using across various blockchain networks through a collaboration with zerohash, eliminating delays associated with traditional wire transfers.

Once received, stablecoins are converted into dollars and credited instantly to client accounts, enabling investors to start trading within minutes.

Interactive Brokers announced that support for Ripple USD and PayPal USD will be introduced next week, building on the USDC funding that was initially launched for retail clients in December.

The brokerage indicated that this move addresses a significant friction point for international investors, as wire transfers can be slow and expensive.

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