CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Federal Reserve Board has denied a Wyoming cryptocurrency bank's application for Federal Reserve System membership, officials announced Friday, dealing a setback to the crypto industry's attempts to build acceptance in mainstream U.S. banking.
The rejection adds to doubts about crypto banking's viability, particularly in Wyoming, a state that has sought to become aCustodia's business model and focus on crypto presented “significant safety and soundness risks” for depositors, the Federal Reserve Board said in a statement. The board also expressed doubt about Custodia's ability to discourage money laundering and terrorism financing through crypto.
"Custodia offered a safe, federally regulated, solvent alternative to the reckless speculators and grifters of crypto that penetrated the U.S. banking system, with disastrous results for some banks. Custodia actively sought federal regulation, going above and beyond all requirements that apply to traditional banks," the statement quoted CEO Caitlin Long as saying.