OCC Oversight

Definition ∞ OCC Oversight refers to the regulatory supervision and guidance provided by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The OCC charters, regulates, and supervises all national banks and federal savings associations. Its pronouncements and actions significantly impact how traditional financial institutions in the United States can engage with digital assets and blockchain technology.
Context ∞ OCC oversight plays a critical role in shaping the permissible activities of banks regarding cryptocurrency and digital assets in the United States. News reports often highlight new interpretive letters or rulings from the OCC that clarify how banks can provide custody services, engage in stablecoin activities, or utilize blockchain for payments. The ongoing discussion involves balancing innovation with safety and soundness concerns, influencing the integration of digital assets into the mainstream financial system.