1. AML Compliance Deficiencies
2. Scrutiny of Crypto Banks Intensifies
3. Historical Context and Industry Impact

The U.S. Federal Reserve has issued a cease-and-desist order against United Texas Bank (UTB), one of the few remaining American financial institutions still catering to crypto companies. The order is related to significant deficiencies in its governance, particularly in adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) laws and risk management linked to virtual currency customers and foreign correspondent banking.

AML Compliance Deficiencies

The order, agreed upon by UTB and the Federal Reserve, follows an examination conducted in May 2023. The investigation revealed deficiencies in board oversight and senior management’s handling of compliance regulations. A statement from the monetary authority highlighted that these deficiencies pose risks in foreign correspondent banking and virtual currency clientele.

Scrutiny of Crypto Banks Intensifies

The latest enforcement action is part of a broader trend of U.S. regulators targeting financial institutions tied to the cryptocurrency industry. Last month, Customers Bank, a Pennsylvania-based lender, came under similar scrutiny from the Federal Reserve. Once a preferred partner for crypto firms, the institution agreed to increased regulatory oversight after the Fed identified lapses in its anti-money laundering compliance. UTB had gained prominence after stepping in to fill the gap left by the closure of Signature and Silvergate in 2023, two of the largest U.S. lenders that previously served the crypto sector.

Historical Context and Industry Impact

With the closure of these institutions, crypto companies have struggled to find banking partners in the U.S. Many firms have had to consolidate around the few remaining ones willing to work with them or seek such services offshore. Historically, U.S. crypto firms have faced challenges in securing reliable banking relationships. This has worsened as regulators continue their crackdown on financial institutions serving the sector. Enforcement actions against these institutions have also pushed once crypto-friendly banks to reduce their involvement. For instance, last year, New York-based Metropolitan Bank began scaling back its crypto services, including ties with major clients like Crypto.com.

These events reflect ongoing tightened regulatory oversight by the U.S. Federal Reserve on banks linked to the cryptocurrency industry. This may affect the ability of crypto companies to find financial partners and further complicate the sector's development.