Custodia Bank's Master Account Denial Upheld by Appeals Court
Darius Baruo Nov 01, 2025 13:38
The Tenth Circuit Court has upheld the Federal Reserve's decision to deny Custodia Bank a master account, reinforcing the Fed's authority over crypto banks' access to U.S. payment systems.
An appellate court has ruled against Custodia Bank in its pursuit of a Federal Reserve master account, marking a significant setback for the Wyoming-based crypto-focused institution. The decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit supports an earlier ruling from the District of Wyoming, which favored the Federal Reserve's stance.
Tenth Circuit Upholds Fed’s Decision
The court's decision is a continuation of Custodia's five-year battle for direct access to the U.S. banking system via a master account. This account is crucial for banks to engage directly with the Federal Reserve’s payment systems. The three-judge panel found that the Federal Reserve acted within its rights, leaving the decision to deny the application intact. This confirms the central bank's broad discretion in deciding which financial institutions can access its infrastructure.
Custodia, formerly known as Avanti Bank, applied for a master account in October 2020 after obtaining a special-purpose depository institution charter from Wyoming. Despite the typical week-long processing time, the application was unresolved for over 19 months. In January 2023, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City rejected the application citing concerns over "safety and soundness" due to the bank's focus on digital assets.
Concerns Over Crypto Market Volatility
The Federal Reserve argued that Custodia’s reliance on the volatile crypto market posed significant risks. It also highlighted the bank’s limited experience in traditional risk management and the potential systemic risks of direct access to a crypto-centered institution.
Custodia's legal battle included a lawsuit filed in June 2022 against the Federal Reserve, claiming an "unlawful delay" in processing its application. The bank argued that eligible institutions are entitled to a master account under federal law. However, the Wyoming court's decision in March 2024 favored the Fed, leading Custodia to appeal, asserting excessive discretion was granted to the central bank.
Fed's Cautious Stance on Crypto
This ruling underscores the ongoing challenges faced by crypto-focused firms seeking integration into traditional financial systems. Despite Custodia’s efforts, the Federal Reserve has not approved any master account applications from crypto-native institutions, citing high volatility and potential fraud as primary concerns.
Custodia has been at the center of debates on how traditional banking regulations should apply to crypto firms. Founder Caitlin Long has criticized the Fed for perceived double standards, arguing that large banks receive preferential treatment while smaller innovators face hurdles.
Despite such setbacks, Custodia continues its push into the digital asset space. Earlier this year, the bank launched "Avit," a tokenized U.S. dollar stablecoin, demonstrating its capability to operate within regulatory frameworks.
The Fed's cautious approach remains a significant hurdle for crypto firms seeking to expand their role in the financial system. Custodia has indicated it may consider further legal action following the appeals court decision, highlighting the ongoing tension between innovation in the crypto sector and traditional regulatory frameworks.
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