SoFi Becomes First U.S. Bank to Offer Crypto Trading for Retail Customers
SoFi (NASDAQ: SOFI) has announced plans to roll out crypto trading services for its customers, marking a historic milestone as the first U.S. bank to offer direct crypto trading and investing.
The move highlights the growing interest of traditional financial institutions in the multi-trillion-dollar crypto market, driven by clearer regulations and rising retail and institutional demand.
SoFi Expands Into Crypto Trading
The fintech firm said users will soon be able to buy, sell, and hold dozens of cryptocurrencies, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) — three of the world’s largest tokens by market capitalization.
“SoFi is the first bank in the U.S. to offer crypto trading and investing,” said Anthony Noto, CEO of SoFi. “The product we’re launching today is for retail members, but institutional access is right around the corner.”
The launch comes as trading activity surges across digital asset markets, fueled by growing participation from both retail investors and institutional players seeking diversified exposure to blockchain-based assets.
Regulatory Clarity Opens the Door for Banks
For years, U.S. banks avoided direct crypto involvement amid regulatory uncertainty. However, new policy signals from the Trump administration and recent guidance from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) have eased major hurdles.
Noto said the OCC’s spring 2025 guidance confirmed that banks holding SoFi’s type of license are now permitted to offer crypto and blockchain products and services.
“SoFi went from not being able to offer crypto products and services as a bank or bank holding company to, in our view, having the best license a company can have to offer crypto and blockchain services,” Noto added.
SoFi Eyes Stablecoin and Blockchain Integration
SoFi also revealed plans to launch its own U.S. dollar–pegged stablecoin, designed to support payments, lending, and on-chain financial services within its ecosystem.
Stablecoins — cryptocurrencies that maintain a fixed value pegged to fiat currency — play a key role in facilitating liquidity and instant settlements within the crypto economy.
The company said it will further integrate blockchain technology into its lending and infrastructure services, deepening its footprint in the digital finance space.
Earlier this month, SoFi raised its annual profit forecast after reporting record third-quarter results, signaling continued business momentum as it expands into new product lines.
