Mortgage Lender Newrez Embraces Cryptocurrency in Home Loans

Mortgage Lender Newrez Embraces Crypto Assets in Loan Decisions

Newrez is taking a significant step by accepting select cryptocurrency holdings as qualifying assets in its mortgage underwriting process. This shift could provide greater access to home loans for individuals with digital assets.

Key Takeaways:

Starting in February, Newrez will recognize certain crypto holdings as eligible assets for mortgages.
Borrowers can utilize Bitcoin, Ether, and stablecoins without needing to sell them, although some risk adjustments will apply.
This initiative aims to attract younger homebuyers and aligns with current U.S. discussions regarding cryptocurrency in mortgage underwriting.

The updated policy will roll out in February and will be applicable across various non-agency products offered by the lender, including home purchases, refinancings, and investment properties.

A New Approach to Mortgage Assets

Under its new policy, Newrez will accept eligible cryptocurrency holdings along with traditional assets such as stocks and bonds. This marks a departure from the previous requirement that borrowers must liquidate their digital assets prior to applying for a loan.

Initially, the lender will recognize Bitcoin, Ether, exchange-traded funds based on these cryptocurrencies, and stablecoins pegged to the U.S. dollar. To be eligible, these assets must be stored with U.S.-regulated crypto exchanges, fintech platforms, brokerages, or federally chartered banks.

Newrez has noted that cryptocurrency valuations used in the underwriting process could be adjusted to reflect fluctuations in the market. However, borrowers will still need to pay closing costs and mortgage payments in U.S. dollars.

The lender clarified that this policy is designed to incorporate cryptocurrencies within existing risk controls rather than completely overhauling its underwriting standards.

Leslie Gillin, the chief commercial officer, stated that this move acknowledges the evolving behavior of investors, particularly younger buyers. She highlighted that approximately 45% of Gen Z and Millennial investors hold cryptocurrencies. By recognizing digital assets, the company aims to facilitate homeownership for groups that have faced challenges entering the housing market.

Newrez's update comes at a time when U.S. policymakers are debating the integration of cryptocurrencies into mortgage risk assessments.

In June 2025, the Federal Housing Finance Agency instructed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to explore how crypto assets could be included in mortgage underwriting without needing to convert them into dollars first. Following this, Cynthia Lummis introduced the 21st Century Mortgage Act, which seeks to formalize that directive into law. Lummis has argued that the rising costs of housing increasingly impact younger Americans, many of whom hold a substantial portion of their savings in digital assets. The bill has been sent to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for consideration, but it has yet to make further progress.

Interactive Brokers Introduces 24/7 Account Funding with Stablecoins

Interactive Brokers is enhancing its cryptocurrency services by allowing clients to fund their brokerage accounts with stablecoins, which will be automatically converted into U.S. dollars.

This new feature facilitates 24/7 deposits using USDC across multiple blockchain networks through a partnership with Zerohash, eliminating delays often associated with traditional wire transfers.

Upon receipt, the stablecoins will be converted into dollars and credited directly to client accounts, enabling investors to start trading within minutes.

The brokerage also announced that it will offer support for Ripple USD and PayPal USD starting next week, building on the USDC funding feature that initially launched for retail customers in December.

Interactive Brokers emphasized that this move addresses a significant pain point for global investors since wire transfers can be time-consuming and expensive.