KEY FACTS: Major U.S. mortgage lender Newrez has announced a policy that will allow borrowers to use eligible cryptocurrency holdings, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), SEC-approved spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, and U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins, as qualifying assets in the mortgage underwriting process without requiring liquidation. Set to launch in February 2026 across its non-agency Smart Series product suite (covering home purchases, refinancings, and investment properties), the initiative makes Newrez the first among the top 25 U.S. mortgage lenders to offer this flexibility. Assets must be held on U.S.-regulated platforms like exchanges, fintech companies, brokerages, or nationally chartered banks, with valuations adjusted conservatively for market volatility to ensure prudent lending.

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Image source: Newrez

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Major U.S. Mortgage Lender Newrez Integrates Bitcoin, Ether, and Stablecoins for Home Loan Qualification

Newrez, one of the top five mortgage lenders and servicers in the United States, has announced plans to recognize eligible cryptocurrency holdings as qualifying assets in its mortgage underwriting process. This forward-thinking policy will allow borrowers to leverage their digital assets, without the need for forced liquidation, to help secure home loans, marking a significant step toward mainstream adoption of crypto in everyday financial decisions.

The new guideline is set to launch in February 2026 and will apply across Newrez's non-agency product lineup, including the Smart Series suite. These products cover a range of needs such as home purchases, refinancings, and investment properties. While traditional assets like stocks and bonds have long been accepted in mortgage underwriting without requiring sale, cryptocurrency holders have historically faced a major hurdle: lenders typically demanded liquidation of digital holdings into U.S. dollars before considering them for qualification. Newrez's move eliminates this barrier for select crypto assets, potentially opening the door to homeownership for a growing demographic of tech-savvy investors.

At launch, Newrez will accept Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) backed by Bitcoin or Ether (approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), and U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins. To qualify, these assets must be securely held with U.S.-regulated platforms, including crypto exchanges, fintech companies, brokerages, or nationally chartered banks. This requirement ensures compliance and reduces counterparty risk in a still-evolving regulatory environment.

Recognizing the notorious volatility of cryptocurrency markets, Newrez will apply market-adjusted valuations to these holdings during underwriting. This conservative approach accounts for potential price swings, helping maintain prudent lending standards. Importantly, while crypto can now bolster asset verification and even contribute to income estimation, all closing costs and ongoing mortgage payments must still be made in U.S. dollars to preserve the stability of the loan structure.

Newrez Chief Commercial Officer Leslie Gillin emphasized the demographic rationale behind the change, noting that approximately 45% of Gen Z and Millennial investors currently own cryptocurrency. According to her, the policy is aimed at broadening access to homeownership among younger buyers. As these generations increasingly prioritize digital assets over conventional investments, Newrez's innovation aligns mortgage lending with modern wealth-building trends, empowering borrowers to preserve their crypto portfolios while achieving major life milestones like buying a home.

Baron Silverstein, President of Newrez, added that Newrez believes that now is the right time to prudently integrate eligible crypto assets into modern mortgage lending to enable consumers to preserve investments while accessing innovative financing solutions. The lender positions itself as the first among the nation's top 25 mortgage providers to offer this flexibility without liquidation.

Newrez's announcement arrives amid ongoing discussions in U.S. regulatory circles about incorporating digital assets into mortgage risk assessments. In June 2025, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) directed government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to develop proposals for considering cryptocurrencies as assets in single-family mortgage evaluations, without requiring conversion to fiat currency. This directive highlighted growing recognition of crypto's role in personal finances.

Shortly after, Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced the 21st Century Mortgage Act, legislation aimed at codifying the FHFA's guidance and addressing housing affordability challenges for younger Americans. Lummis argued that "the American dream of homeownership is not a reality for many young people," pointing to the rising number of digital asset holders. Though the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, it has not yet advanced further.

A niche market for crypto-backed financing already exists, where borrowers use Bitcoin or Ether as collateral for real estate purchases. Experts like Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, co-founder of Ledn, have noted that some high-net-worth Bitcoin holders successfully finance properties without selling, avoiding capital gains taxes and maintaining exposure to potential upside.

Newrez's policy could set a precedent in the mortgage industry, encouraging other lenders to adapt as cryptocurrency ownership continues to rise, especially among younger demographics. For crypto enthusiasts who have long HODLed their holdings, this development offers greater financial flexibility without sacrificing investment strategies.

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Information Sources:

• Coinlaw
• MEXC
• Cointelegraph

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