Bitcoin News Update: Traditional Banks Struggle to Compete with SoFi's All-in-One Crypto Expansion

SoFi Technologies Inc. has set a new precedent as the first U.S. bank with a national charter to introduce built-in cryptocurrency trading, signaling a major step forward in the financial sector’s adoption of digital currencies. The fintech leader revealed on November 11, 2025, that it is launching

services, enabling customers to buy, sell, and store (BTC), (ETH), and (SOL) directly through its banking application, eliminating the need for external exchanges. Unlike its earlier collaboration with Coinbase in 2019—which ended in 2023 due to regulatory challenges, as noted—this new offering is managed entirely within SoFi’s own regulatory and operational framework.

This rollout comes after the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued an interpretive letter in March 2025, clarifying that banks could provide crypto-related services if they meet certain requirements, thus removing a significant regulatory hurdle, according to

reports. CEO Anthony Noto highlighted that this change allows the company to deliver security and compliance at the level expected from banks, setting its platform apart from typical crypto exchanges. He also pointed out that established banks such as JPMorgan and Bank of America are unlikely to follow suit, given their older infrastructure and lack of digital-first systems, as reported.

SoFi’s solution combines crypto trading with FDIC-insured checking and savings accounts, letting users conduct transactions straight from their bank accounts without needing to move money to outside wallets. Although digital assets themselves are not covered by FDIC insurance, SoFi emphasized its robust security protocols and in-app educational resources to foster trust among users. The company shared that 60% of its digital asset holders prefer managing their crypto through a regulated bank over using exchanges, as

reported.

This initiative is part of SoFi’s larger blockchain roadmap, which includes plans to launch a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin by 2026 and expand into blockchain-powered remittances using the Bitcoin Lightning Network, as reported. The bank is also exploring ways to incorporate crypto into its lending services to lower transaction fees and speed up payments.

To encourage participation, SoFi introduced a special promotion where early users can enter to win a Bitcoin. Those who join the waitlist by November 30, 2025, open a crypto account, and make three trades of at least $10 each by January 31, 2026, will be eligible for the prize draw, as

reported. At launch, crypto purchases can only be funded via ACH transfers and U.S. dollars, and outbound transfers are not yet available.

This development comes as the number of U.S. crypto holders doubles in 2025, fueled by rising interest in digital assets and a post-election boom in decentralized finance (DeFi). By entering the crypto trading space, SoFi positions itself as a competitor to both traditional banks and crypto-focused platforms, leveraging its regulatory standing to appeal to users who prioritize security, as

reported. Still, the bank warned that cryptocurrencies are highly speculative, not protected by FDIC insurance, and subject to significant price swings.

---

SoFi Becomes First Nationally Chartered Bank to Launch Integrated Crypto Trading

SoFi Bank Relaunches Crypto Trading as First FDIC-Insured US Bank

SoFi becomes first U.S. national bank to offer crypto trading

SoFi Bank Becomes the First and Only Nationally Chartered Bank to Launch Crypto Trading for Consumers

SoFi Launches Crypto Trading, Citing 'Bank-Level Confidence' as Key Edge