Jonathan Gould Confirmed By Senate As OCC Chief In A ‘Crypto Comeback’

Key Points

1. Jonathan Gould was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in a 50-45 party-line vote, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed.

2. Gould's confirmation is seen as a return to a crypto-forward regulatory approach at the OCC, given his prior role under Acting Comptroller Brian Brooks, where he supported fintech and crypto innovations.

3. During his Senate hearing, Gould emphasized allowing banks to engage in 'prudent risk-taking' and endorsed the OCC's move to reduce litigation risk and anti-money laundering compliance burdens for crypto firms.

4. Senate Republicans praised Gould as a reformer who will oppose politically motivated debanking, while Democrats, like Elizabeth Warren, expressed opposition.

5. Gould's deep familiarity with crypto and fintech innovations positions him to influence the future of crypto integration within the U.S. banking system.