Fed Official Says Staff Should Be Allowed to Hold Crypto

Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman said Tuesday that central bank staff should be permitted to hold small amounts of crypto, a suggestion that could mark a shift in how the Fed approaches digital assets internally.
What’s the Scoop?
- Proposal: Bowman said allowing Fed employees to hold “de minimis” amounts of crypto could help regulators gain practical understanding of the technology.
- Tech Potential: She highlighted tokenization’s ability to reduce friction in asset transfers, cut costs, and broaden capital market access.
- Legal Evolution: Bowman argued that regulatory frameworks need to evolve in step with blockchain adoption to avoid the U.S. being left behind. Legal experts say her remarks reflect a move from caution toward curiosity.