Newrez is set to revolutionize the mortgage lending landscape by allowing eligible cryptocurrency holdings to be classified as qualifying assets in its underwriting process. This regulatory shift, anticipated to take effect in February, aims to facilitate broader access to home loans for individuals engaged in the cryptocurrency market.
The forthcoming policy will be applicable across Newrez’s non-agency products, impacting home purchases, refinancing options, and investment properties. Traditionally, borrowers utilizing assets like stocks and bonds in their mortgage applications were not afforded the same flexibility with cryptocurrencies. Previously, crypto holders were often required to liquidate their assets to qualify for loans.
Under the new guidelines, Newrez will officially recognize various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), as well as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) backed by these digital currencies and US dollar-backed stablecoins. Notably, the cryptocurrency assets must be held with US-regulated exchanges or fintech platforms, brokerages, or nationally chartered banks to qualify. Furthermore, the policy acknowledges that cryptocurrency valuations may fluctuate due to market volatility, though borrowers must still handle closing costs and make mortgage payments in US dollars.
Leslie Gillin, Newrez’s chief commercial officer, highlighted that approximately 45% of Gen Z and Millennial investors currently own cryptocurrency. This policy shift is part of an ongoing effort to enhance homeownership opportunities for younger generations who increasingly rely on digital assets.
In the larger context, discussions are unfolding among US regulators regarding the integration of cryptocurrency into mortgage risk assessments. In June 2025, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to explore ways to factor cryptocurrencies into single-family mortgage evaluations without necessitating conversion to US currency.
Shortly thereafter, Senator Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming introduced the 21st Century Mortgage Act, aimed at formalizing the FHFA’s directive. Lummis emphasized that the legislation seeks to address housing affordability issues for younger Americans, noting that the traditional “American dream of homeownership” remains out of reach for many who now hold digital assets. The proposed bill has been presented in the Senate and is currently assigned to the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, where it has yet to make further progress.
While Newrez’s initiative is a significant move, existing market mechanisms already allow for crypto-backed home financing, enabling individuals to leverage their BTC or ETH as collateral for real estate transactions. Industry figures, such as Mauricio Di Bartolomeo from Ledn, have indicated that some Bitcoin investors have successfully financed property purchases without liquidating their holdings, a trend expected to gain momentum with Newrez’s new policy.
