Anchorage Digital Applies for Federal Reserve Master Account

Anchorage Digital has filed for a Federal Reserve master account, aiming for direct central bank payment access, potentially marking a pivotal step in crypto and traditional finance integration.

This application signifies a crucial move toward increased institutional confidence and accessibility in the cryptocurrency market, bridging digital assets and established financial systems.

Anchorage’s Federal Reserve Application and Potential Industry Impact

Anchorage Digital is led by CEO Nathan McCauley, who has a background in crypto custody and financial technology. McCauley’s leadership has guided Anchorage in becoming the first federally chartered digital asset bank in the U.S. With the application for a Federal Reserve master account, Anchorage aims to establish itself as a bridge between the crypto and traditional finance sectors, enhancing direct access to the central bank’s payment systems.

If approved, the access to a master account allows Anchorage to settle transactions directly with the Federal Reserve, reducing reliance on third-party intermediaries. This could lead to increased efficiency in transaction settlements and bolster the confidence of institutional investors seeking stable fiat and stablecoin on/off ramp services. Despite the potentially groundbreaking nature of this move, there have been no noticeable impacts on TVL, liquidity, or staking flows in Anchorage-related assets. Market reactions have yet to materialize significantly due to the application’s procedural nature.

Leading figures in the crypto industry, including Nathan McCauley, highlight the potential of combining crypto innovation with federal oversight. McCauley stated, “With our consent order lifted, we’ve proven definitively that crypto and federal oversight are not mutually exclusive, and can in fact be stronger working in tandem.”

Bitcoin Trends Amid Anchorage’s Regulatory Advances

Did you know? The concept of a Federal Reserve master account is central to banks settling transactions directly with the central bank, potentially eliminating the need for intermediary institutions and streamlining cross-border settlements.

CoinMarketCap data for September 20, 2025, highlights an uptrend for Bitcoin (BTC), currently priced at $115,799.80. Its market cap stands at $2.31 trillion with a 24-hour trading volume of $33.23 billion, reflecting a slight 0.99% decrease over 24 hours but a 12.7% increase over 90 days.

The Coincu Research Team suggests that this application could set a precedent for other digital asset banks. Historically, attempts by other firms like Kraken to secure a master account faced lengthy reviews, indicating Anchorage’s initiative may lead the way for future regulatory pathways in integrating digital assets with public financial infrastructure.