Fed opens a new chapter: Crypto Assets officially included in Washington's agenda

null Article Author: Crypto Unfiltered

Article compiled by: Block unicorn

Preface

On October 21, the Federal Reserve held the first Payment Innovation Conference in Washington, D.C. The conference lasted a full day, bringing together central bank governors, major asset management firms, large banks, payment companies, and key cryptocurrency infrastructure teams. The agenda covered topics such as stablecoins, tokenized assets, DeFi, artificial intelligence in the payments sector, and how to connect traditional ledgers to blockchain. The message conveyed at the venue was simple: cryptocurrency technology has now become part of the discussion in the payments field.

Why is this different this time?

For years, the United States' attitude towards cryptocurrency has sounded like regulation first, dialogue later. This time, a Federal Reserve Board member stated at the conference opening that the goal is to embrace disruptive technologies in the payment sector and learn from the experiences of DeFi and cryptocurrencies. This change in tone is significant. It tells investors that the question has shifted from whether this technology is applicable to how to integrate it into the core system safely.

“Streamlined” Account Concept

The most specific news is that the Federal Reserve is developing a restricted access payment account (commonly referred to as a “streamlined account”). It can be seen as a simplified version of a master account, allowing certain legally compliant non-bank institutions to directly access the Federal Reserve's payment services under strict regulation. This includes limits, no interest, no credit line, and strict reporting requirements. Nowadays, many stablecoin issuers and cryptocurrency companies rely on commercial banks for settlement and critical services. If the restricted access Federal Reserve account becomes a reality, it could reduce single points of failure. This is not a free pass and will not happen overnight, but it is a clear direction of development.

Recommendations from the crypto industry to the Federal Reserve

To achieve true institutional scale, three challenges need to be addressed. First, making traditional systems compatible with blockchain to facilitate audits and compliance checks. Second, standardizing the proofs and metadata carried by trades to meet the needs of regulators and counterparties. Third, creating a variant of “regulated DeFi” where smart contracts automatically enforce compliance, verification, and cross-chain controls by default. None of this is fanciful. All of this is precisely what large capital pools require.

Why stablecoins are at the core position

Stablecoins have become one of the largest practical uses of cryptocurrencies. Its biggest operational risk is the reliance on key channels from partner banks. The Federal Reserve's direct and limited access will set higher thresholds for reserves, reporting, and settlement, and reduce the likelihood of disruptions or de-banking events. This does not eliminate the risk, but it does transform the system into a standardized and regulated system that institutions can understand.

Tokenized asset entry plan

When the world's largest asset management companies, multinational banks, and crypto data providers gather with the Federal Reserve to discuss tokenized funds, tokenized cash, and on-chain settlements, what you see is a roadmap. Tokenization is not a gimmick. It is a way to accelerate the circulation of traditional assets, featuring instant settlement, 24-hour markets, and programmatic compliance. The longstanding obstacles have been standards, secure access to identity verification, and payment systems. All three are of utmost importance.

Impact on the market

Price fluctuations around such events can be significant. Bitcoin may drop several percentage points within a day, and Ethereum and Solana can also experience sharp declines or surges due to breaking news, only to reverse later. Structural signals are stronger. The U.S. Federal Reserve is currently publicly discussing how to connect cryptocurrency channels with the core of payments. When policy clarity improves, capital flows tend to first concentrate on assets most suitable for institutional investors. Bitcoin remains the entry point for macroeconomics. Ethereum occupies a central position in stablecoins and tokenization. Solana continues to excel in speed and consumer applications. Chainlink positions itself as the data and compliance bridge connecting blockchains and institutions.

None of these can guarantee a straight upward price movement. However, it does determine where new allocations can be made when legal and operational mechanisms change. This usually means Bitcoin first, followed by Ethereum, and then a basket of large-cap assets with clear use cases. After that, if liquidity is strong and risk appetite recovers, small-cap assets will start to rise. The same cyclical rhythm, different driving factors.

Recent catalysts

Stablecoin Rulebook, standardizing reserves and real-time reporting.

More tokenized cash products, government bonds, and built-in on-chain identity.

The DeFi version hardcodes counterparty checks, asset eligibility, and restrictions, allowing institutions to participate without changing their authorizations.

The story of the intersection between artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency has a real economic design, rather than just brand promotion, especially in the context of tightening emissions.

How to locate

Keep the plan simple and aligned with your investment timeframe. If investing, focus on assets that institutions can actually purchase. For most people, the core is Bitcoin and Ethereum, with a moderate allocation to Solana, and a small amount reserved for cross-chain bridging data and compliant infrastructure. If trading, assume volatility based on market dynamics, use isolation risk strategies, and set your stop-loss points in advance.

Final conclusion

The Federal Reserve convened cryptocurrency companies, banks, asset management firms, and large technology companies to jointly plan a shared payment system and proposed specific paths for direct, restricted access to the Federal Reserve's payment system. Prices will fluctuate. This indicates that the U.S. payment system is preparing to integrate the assets and infrastructure you are already trading. Be patient, assess risks, and focus on those assets that real institutions will be able to hold when the payment gates open further.