U.S. financial regulation has just sent a major signal. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued an interpretive letter officially recognizing the legality of nationwide banks engaging in "risk-free principal trading" of crypto assets—equivalent to issuing a clear compliance license for traditional finance to enter the crypto market.

What is "risk-free principal trading"? Simply put, when banks buy crypto assets, they must simultaneously lock in a sell hedge order; the entire process involves no holding positions and no betting on market direction. Jake, a senior OTC market professional, stated that under this model, banks act purely as intermediaries, responsible only for connecting buyers and sellers, facilitating trades for profit, and avoiding market risk.

Why is this policy key? It has three levels of impact.

**First, the compliance pathway is fully opened.** In the past, banks wanting to participate in crypto trading had to become market makers (which involves high risk and strict requirements) or operate in a gray area. Now, with a clear brokerage model, legal uncertainties are eliminated.

**Second, the market landscape will change.** Traditional banks hold a large customer base and reputation backing. Once they officially enter crypto trading, it’s like opening a new door to retail markets and institutional funds. Liquidity and trading volume infrastructure will need upgrades.

**Finally, it’s a symbol of mainstreaming.** After the Trump administration took office, U.S. financial regulation clearly shifted to support crypto innovation. This OCC interpretive letter is the latest proof—crypto assets are being integrated into a regulated mainstream financial system, transforming from "wild growth" to "regulated participants."

Looking ahead, more compliant capital will flow into the crypto market through these "regulatory bridges" of banks. Assets like ETH, ZRX, ZEC, and others are gaining attention. The RWA track continues to grow, privacy coin ecosystems are generally bullish, and the prelude to the altcoin season may already be sounding. The integration of traditional finance and the crypto world is shifting from confrontation to collaboration, entering a new era guided by clear rules.