OCC Ends Consent Order for Anchorage Digital, Could Expand Bitcoin Custody Options for Institutions

• OCC ends 2022 consent order against Anchorage Digital

• Anchorage met Bank Secrecy Act and AML compliance requirements, per the regulator’s termination statement.

• Anchorage custody relationships—including work with major institutional ETFs—remain intact; regulatory clarity may boost bank-chartered crypto services.

Anchorage Digital consent order terminated — OCC ends order after compliance; learn what this means for crypto custody and institutional adoption. Read now.

What does the termination of the OCC consent order against Anchorage Digital mean?

Anchorage Digital consent order terminated means the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency determined the bank has implemented a satisfactory Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering compliance program. The termination clears the formal regulatory restriction and signals restored supervisory confidence in Anchorage’s controls.

How did Anchorage meet the OCC’s compliance expectations?

Anchorage implemented enhanced AML controls, improved transaction monitoring, and strengthened compliance governance to satisfy the OCC’s requirements. The regulator stated the bank’s safety, soundness, and legal compliance no longer require the continued existence of the consent order.

“When we applied for that charter, we knew what we were signing up for: the path forward was uncharted for any crypto company… laying the foundation for trust, safety, and durability in the years ahead.” — Nathan McCauley, Anchorage co‑founder and CEO (statement, August 21, 2025)

When was the original consent order issued and why?

The OCC issued the consent order in 2022 after finding Anchorage’s compliance program did not fully satisfy Bank Secrecy Act and AML obligations. The 2022 order required corrective actions and ongoing supervisory review until the OCC was satisfied with remediation.

What are the immediate implications for institutional custody and ETFs?

With the consent order terminated, Anchorage’s role as a federally chartered custodian is clearer for institutional clients. Institutional relationships—such as custody arrangements for Bitcoin and Ethereum held for spot ETFs—face reduced regulatory uncertainty, improving operational certainty for asset managers and their custodial chains.

How will this affect the broader crypto banking landscape?

Regulatory clarity from the OCC may encourage other firms to pursue federal charters and prompt banks to expand custody and asset services. Firms such as Circle, Ripple, and Paxos have been pursuing national bank-style approvals; the Anchorage decision could influence supervisory expectations and charter pursuit strategies.

How can institutions verify a bank’s consent order status?

1. Check official OCC public notices and press releases for consent order issuances and terminations. 2. Review the bank’s regulatory filings and public statements for remediation updates. 3. Confirm governance and compliance attestations during vendor due diligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long was Anchorage subject to the OCC consent order?

Anchorage was subject to the OCC consent order from 2022 until its termination in August 2025 after the bank demonstrated satisfactory remediation of AML and Bank Secrecy Act compliance gaps.

Will this change how other crypto firms seek charters?

Regulatory clarity like this tends to encourage pursuit of federal charters by demonstrating supervisory expectations and potential remediation pathways, informing strategy for firms seeking national bank status.

Key Takeaways

• Regulatory closure: The OCC terminated the 2022 consent order after Anchorage demonstrated adequate AML and BSA compliance.
• Market impact: Termination reduces regulatory uncertainty for institutional custody and may accelerate charter interest across the industry.
• Due diligence: Institutions should continue to verify compliance status via regulator notices, bank disclosures, and direct assurances.

Conclusion

Anchorage Digital consent order terminated marks a significant regulatory milestone for a federally chartered digital asset bank. The OCC’s action reflects restored confidence in Anchorage’s compliance program and may influence how institutions and crypto firms approach charters, custody, and regulated services going forward. For institutional counterparties, the next step is continued due diligence and monitoring of supervisory filings.

Publication date: 2025-08-21 | Updated: 2025-08-21 | Author: COINOTAG