Former US President Donald Trump is preparing to take action against allegations that various sectors, particularly crypto companies, are being excluded from the financial system. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump is about to sign a comprehensive executive order targeting banks' attempts to block individuals and institutions from accessing financial services for political reasons. The executive order is also expected to examine the "debanking" practices targeting crypto companies.
Trump's draft executive order not only investigates whether banks discriminate based on political affiliation but also proposes fines and disciplinary procedures if violations are detected. It will also investigate whether financial institutions violate the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, antitrust laws, and consumer protection regulations. It is rumored that the executive order could be signed this week.
"Choke Point 2.0" Debates
It has been frequently stated that the crypto sector has been under intense regulatory pressure, especially during the Biden administration. This process has become known within the industry as "Operation Choke Point 2.0." This operation, first implemented during the Obama administration, aimed to exclude sectors deemed high-risk from the financial system. However, over time, this practice evolved into the exclusion of individuals and institutions deemed politically unsuitable. Especially after 2022, crypto companies and conservative groups argue that they are direct targets of this policy.
Trump's executive order aims to end discriminatory policies against crypto companies and conservatives. The executive order will also review the Small Business Administration's lending partnerships, and some cases will be referred to the Department of Justice.
Crypto industry voices rise
Trump is known to have increasingly adopted a crypto-friendly stance during the campaign. Prominent figures in the crypto industry (such as Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, Gemini founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, and Custodia CEO Caitlin Long) have publicly shared their past debanking experiences.
Donald Trump's son, Eric Trump, has also stated that he has been subjected to this pressure. World Liberty Financial, one of the crypto projects he manages, and Bitcoin mining firm America Bitcoin stated that they were unable to receive service from banks. "Because my father was in politics, banks excluded us from the system. At that moment, I realized crypto was an alternative way to escape this system," he said, summing up his experience.
Banks have begun taking precautions
With the expectation that the Trump administration will approach crypto more favorably, some banks have begun reviewing their policies. In recent months, banks have even been known to meet with Republican attorneys general to prove they are not politically discriminated against. Trump-appointed regulators (the Fed, the OCC, and the FDIC) have also announced that abstract reasons like "reputational risk" will no longer be considered in customer relationships.
