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

Preface

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

Why is this time different?

For many years, the United States' attitude towards cryptocurrency has sounded like a sequence of regulation first, then dialogue. This time, a Federal Reserve board member stated at the opening of a meeting that the goal is to embrace disruptive technology in the payment sector and to learn from the experiences of DeFi and cryptocurrency. This shift in tone is significant. It tells investors that the question has moved from whether this technology is applicable to how to integrate it into the core system in a safe manner.

“Simplified” account concept

The most specific news is that the Federal Reserve is developing a payment account with limited access (commonly referred to as a “streamlined account”). It can be seen as a simplified version of the main account, allowing certain non-bank institutions that meet legal requirements to access the Federal Reserve's payment services directly under strict regulation. This includes limits, no interest, no credit line, and strict reporting requirements. Today, many stablecoin issuers and cryptocurrency companies rely on commercial banks for settlement and critical services. If a limited access Federal Reserve account becomes a reality, it could reduce single points of failure. This is not a free pass, nor will it happen overnight, but it is a clear direction of development.

Recommendations from the cryptocurrency industry to the Federal Reserve

To achieve true institutional scale, there are three challenges that need to be addressed. First, making traditional systems compatible with blockchain for auditing and compliance checks. Second, standardizing the proofs and metadata carried by transactions to meet the requirements of regulators and counterparties. Third, creating a variant of “regulated DeFi” where smart contracts automatically enforce compliance, identity verification, and cross-chain control by default. None of these are mere empty rhetoric. All of these are exactly what large capital pools require.

Why Stablecoins are at the Core Position

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

Tokenized Asset Entry Plan

When the world's largest asset management companies, multinational banks, and cryptocurrency data providers gather with the Federal Reserve to discuss tokenized funds, tokenized cash, and on-chain settlement, 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.

###'s impact on the market

Price fluctuations around such events are significant. Bitcoin may drop several percentage points in a single day, while Ethereum and Solana can also experience substantial declines or surges due to headlines, only to reverse course later. Structural signals are stronger. The U.S. central bank is currently openly discussing how to connect cryptocurrency channels with payment cores. When policy clarity increases, capital flows tend to first concentrate on assets that are most suitable for institutional investors. Bitcoin remains the gateway to the macro economy. Ethereum sits at the core of 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 price increase. However, it does determine where new allocations can be distributed when legal and operational mechanisms change. This often means Bitcoin first, then Ethereum, followed by a basket of large-cap assets with clear use cases. After that, if liquidity is strong and risk appetite rebounds, small-cap assets will start to rise. The same cyclical rhythm, different driving factors.

Recent catalysts

• Stablecoin Rules Manual, standardizing reserves and real-time reporting.
• More tokenized cash products, government bonds, and built-in on-chain identity.
• The DeFi version hardcodes checks on counterparties, asset qualifications, and restrictions, allowing institutions to participate without changing their authorizations.
• The story of the intersection of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency has 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 horizon. If investing, focus on the assets that institutions can realistically purchase. For most people, the core is Bitcoin and Ethereum, with a moderate allocation to Solana, and reserving a small amount of funds 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 major tech companies to jointly plan a shared payment system, proposing specific pathways for direct, limited access to the Federal Reserve 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. Stay patient, assess the risks, and focus on those assets that real institutions will be able to hold when the payment gates open further.