Mortgage Lender Newrez Embraces Crypto Assets in Loan Decisions

Newrez is set to begin counting certain cryptocurrency holdings as qualifying assets in its mortgage underwriting process, a policy shift that could expand access to home loans for borrowers with digital assets.

Key Takeaways:

• Newrez will begin counting certain crypto holdings as qualifying assets for mortgages starting in February.
• Borrowers will be able to use Bitcoin, Ether and stablecoins without selling them, subject to risk adjustments.
• The move targets younger buyers and aligns with ongoing US policy discussions on crypto in mortgage underwriting.

The change is expected to take effect in February and will apply across the lender’s non-agency products, including home purchases, refinancings and investment properties.

Newrez to Count Bitcoin, Ether and Stablecoins as Mortgage Assets

Under the new approach, Newrez will allow eligible crypto holdings to be considered alongside traditional assets such as stocks and bonds, removing a long-standing requirement for borrowers to liquidate their digital assets before applying.

At launch, the lender said it will recognize Bitcoin, Ether, spot exchange-traded funds backed by those assets, and U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins.

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

Newrez said crypto valuations used in underwriting may be adjusted to reflect market volatility, while borrowers will still need to cover closing costs and make mortgage payments in US dollars.

The lender emphasized that the policy is designed to integrate crypto within existing risk controls rather than overhaul its underwriting standards.

Chief commercial officer Leslie Gillin said the decision reflects changing investor behavior, particularly among younger buyers.

About 45% of Gen Z and Millennial investors hold cryptocurrency, Gillin said, adding that recognizing digital assets could help broaden access to homeownership for groups that have struggled to enter the housing market.

Newrez’s move comes as US policymakers continue to debate how cryptocurrencies should factor into mortgage risk assessments.

In June 2025, the Federal Housing Finance Agency directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to study how crypto assets could be considered in single-family mortgage underwriting without first being converted into dollars.

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

Lummis argued that housing affordability challenges are increasingly affecting younger Americans, many of whom hold a significant share of their savings in digital assets.

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

Interactive Brokers Enables 24/7 Account Funding With Stablecoins

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

The new feature enables 24/7 deposits using USDC across multiple blockchain networks through a partnership with zerohash, removing delays tied to traditional wire transfers.

Once received, stablecoins are converted into dollars and credited directly to client accounts, letting investors begin trading within minutes.

Interactive Brokers said support for Ripple USD and PayPal USD will launch next week, building on USDC funding that was first introduced for retail clients in December.

The brokerage said the move addresses a key friction point for global investors, as wire transfers can be slow and costly.

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