New U.S. Mortgage Rules May Boost Crypto Adoption, Says ARK Invest’s Cathie Wood

Key Takeaways:U.S. housing regulator plans to recognize crypto assets in mortgage applications.ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood says the move could significantly accelerate crypto adoption.Recognition of crypto in housing finance may expand financial inclusion and asset utility.Cathie Wood: New U.S. Mortgage Rules Could Significantly Boost Crypto MarketCryptocurrencies may be on the verge of broader financial integration, as new U.S. mortgage regulations propose recognizing digital assets as valid financial holdings in mortgage applications. ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood believes the move could be a major catalyst for crypto adoption across the U.S. financial system.In comments following recent regulatory developments, Wood stated that the inclusion of crypto as a recognized asset in housing finance would mark a pivotal shift. “If crypto assets are formally recognized in mortgage underwriting, it could open new pathways for asset-backed lending, expand financial access, and drive institutional legitimacy,” she said.The proposal was initially floated by the head of U.S. housing regulation, who indicated plans to formally list cryptocurrencies as eligible assets when evaluating borrower applications. This change would allow individuals holding crypto—such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins—to count them toward their net worth or financial qualifications when applying for a mortgage.Analysts say this step could legitimize digital assets in the eyes of traditional financial institutions and help bridge the gap between decentralized finance (DeFi) and legacy banking.If implemented, the policy could benefit both the housing market and the crypto sector by enabling a broader range of asset holders to access home loans, potentially unlocking new liquidity and utility for crypto holdings.