Newrez, a leading mortgage lender and servicer, announced plans to begin recognizing cryptocurrency assets for mortgage qualification in February 2026. This marks a significant integration of digital finance into the traditional housing market.
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Newrez Targets Gen Z with Crypto-Inclusive Mortgage Products
In an era where digital finance is reshaping various sectors, Newrez is taking a bold step by enabling borrowers to leverage their cryptocurrency holdings when applying for mortgages. Starting in February 2026, individuals will be able to use assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD-pegged stablecoins, and even spot crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to verify their finances. This program is part of Newrez’s Smart Series product suite, which provides non-qualified mortgage loans to those who do not meet standard government-backed lending guidelines.
Newrez President Baron Silverstein emphasized that this move is not just a trend but a crucial evolution within the lending landscape. “As the crypto industry becomes increasingly integrated with traditional finance, we must adapt,” he stated. Internal data reveal that approximately 45% of Gen Z and Millennial investors own some form of cryptocurrency, making them key players in the market of first-time homebuyers.
Historically, potential borrowers have faced obstacles such as being required to liquidate their crypto holdings—sometimes resulting in significant tax implications. Silverstein outlined how this new approach allows consumers to maintain their investments while navigating the home-buying process.
“We believe that now is the right time to prudently integrate eligible crypto assets into modern mortgage lending—enabling consumers to preserve investments while accessing innovative financing solutions,” Silverstein explained.
Newrez Sidesteps DeFi, Mandates Regulated Exchange Holdings
The exciting prospect of qualifying for mortgages without the need to sell off digital assets comes with caveats. Newrez’s policy dictates that market-adjusted valuations will apply, ensuring safeguards against crypto price volatility. This means that while borrowers’ crypto assets can help in calculating their borrowing capacity, they must still maintain liquidity in US dollars for down payments and closing costs.
“Our mission at Newrez is to do everything possible to make home happen, and this innovation marks yet another step in creating new pathways to homeownership, giving consumers flexibility and control,” said Leslie Gillin, Newrez’s Chief Commercial Officer.
To further ensure a controlled approach, Newrez mandates that eligible crypto assets be held by US-regulated entities. This translates to compliance requirements that require these assets to be kept in platforms such as compliant exchanges, retail FinTech apps, or regulated brokerages under SEC or FINRA oversight. Consequently, assets held in self-custody wallets or decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols will not qualify for mortgage applications under this new policy.
Newrez’s announcement is part of a greater trend influenced by a regulatory shift in Washington. Following a directive from the Federal Housing Finance Agency in June 2025, there’s a growing recognition of cryptocurrency in assessing mortgage risk. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been tasked with developing frameworks that incorporate digital the assets into their risk assessments for single-family loans. This regulatory evolution is indicative of a thawing relationship between federal housing regulators and the crypto industry.
The Trump administration’s broader overhaul of US financial policies hints at an increasingly crypto-friendly financial landscape, pushing traditional institutions to adapt to a changing investment paradigm.
