Starting February 2026, Newrez will begin recognizing cryptocurrency holdings when evaluating borrowers for mortgage approval. The lender confirmed that eligible digital assets can be used for income estimation and asset verification, without forcing borrowers to sell or convert their crypto into cash. For many prospective homebuyers, especially those who built wealth through digital assets, this removes a barrier that has existed for years. Until now, crypto holders often had to liquidate their positions just to meet underwriting requirements, sometimes triggering unnecessary taxes or disrupting long-term investment plans.
Why Newrez Crypto Mortgage Approval Matters to Homebuyers
Investment portfolios no longer look the same as they did a decade ago. Alongside stocks and bonds, digital assets now make up a meaningful share of personal wealth, particularly among younger adults preparing to enter the housing market. Newrez’s decision places cryptocurrency on a more equal footing with traditional financial assets. Instead of treating digital holdings as invisible or unreliable, the lender is acknowledging that verified crypto ownership can represent real, measurable financial strength.
Leadership Explains the Timing
Newrez President Baron Silverstein said the company’s move reflects both consumer behavior and institutional progress.
“Today, an increasing number of consumers include crypto in their investment portfolios, while major financial institutions are deepening their involvement in crypto assets, supported by key regulatory developments.”
Silverstein added that Newrez believes the industry has reached a point where crypto assets can be incorporated into mortgage lending in a structured and responsible way.
How the Policy Will Work in Practice
The crypto recognition policy will be rolled out through Newrez’s Smart Series, which focuses on non-agency mortgage products. These loans allow for more flexibility than government-backed mortgages, making them a natural starting point for asset categories that fall outside traditional underwriting norms. While the lender has not yet disclosed which cryptocurrencies will qualify or how price volatility will be handled, Newrez confirmed that eligibility rules, valuation methods, and compliance standards will be clearly defined before the program launches.
A Focus on the Next Generation of Buyers
Chief Commercial Officer Leslie Gillin said the update is about aligning lending practices with real consumer behavior.
“Our mission at Newrez is to do everything possible to make home happen, and this marks another step in creating new pathways to homeownership, giving consumers flexibility and control.”
Industry data support the strategy. Blockchain market trackers show that the global crypto market exceeded $3 trillion in recent years, while survey research indicates that nearly half of Gen Z and Millennial investors hold cryptocurrency. Many of them are approaching their first home purchase.
What This Could Mean for the Housing Industry
Newrez’s announcement does not turn crypto into loan collateral, nor does it introduce decentralized lending models into traditional mortgages. What it does signal is a change in how digital wealth is viewed inside regulated finance. If the approach proves effective, other lenders may follow, potentially leading to clearer standards for recognizing digital assets in housing finance. For now, Newrez’s move offers a practical bridge between modern investing habits and the realities of homeownership.
Summary
Newrez has announced that beginning in February 2026, borrowers will be able to include verified cryptocurrency holdings when applying for a mortgage. This means homebuyers will not have to sell their digital assets just to meet qualification requirements. The update will apply to non-agency loans offered through Newrez’s Smart Series, giving borrowers more flexibility in how their wealth is evaluated. The change reflects the growing role crypto plays in the finances of Gen Z and Millennial buyers and could shape how other U.S. lenders view digital assets in the future.
Glossary of Key Terms
1. Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is money that lives online instead of in your wallet or bank. You store and use it through secure apps or digital wallets.
2. Crypto Assets
These are the cryptocurrencies you own. Think of them like investments, similar to stocks or savings, but held digitally rather than through a bank.
3. Mortgage Qualification
This is how a lender decides if you can get a home loan. They look at your income, savings, debts, and overall financial health.
4. Asset Verification
Asset verification means proving that you really own what you say you own. It’s like showing a bank statement to confirm your savings.
5. Liquidation
Liquidation is selling something to get cash. For crypto owners, this means selling digital coins, which can sometimes lead to taxes or losses.
6. Non-Agency Mortgage
A non-agency mortgage is a loan that isn’t backed by the government. These loans give lenders more freedom to consider different types of income and assets.
7. Valuation
Valuation is how a lender decides what something is worth. With crypto, this usually involves checking market prices over a period of time.
8. Compliance
Compliance refers to the rules lenders must follow to protect borrowers and stay within the law. These rules help keep the mortgage process safe and fair.
FAQs About Newrez Crypto Mortgage Approval
What does Newrez crypto mortgage approval mean?
It means Newrez will let borrowers count verified cryptocurrency holdings toward mortgage qualification without needing to sell them, starting February 2026.
Will using crypto increase my mortgage costs?
There are no extra crypto-related fees. Standard mortgage costs still apply, and crypto assets will be reviewed under Newrez’s valuation and eligibility rules.
How does this benefit homebuyers?
Crypto holders can qualify for a mortgage without selling assets, avoiding tax events while keeping long-term investments intact and gaining more flexibility during the process.
Is this process secure and regulated?
Yes. Newrez plans to use verification, valuation controls, and compliance checks. Borrowers will have access to Newrez’s support team for guidance throughout the process.