Hey FoundersCrowd, it’s Alberto 👋

Big news hit the private markets last week that could change the way we think about both homeownership and crypto investing in the U.S.

For the first time ever, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been ordered to consider crypto holdings when reviewing mortgage applicants. Yup, your digital coins might just get you the keys to your next home.

Let’s unpack what this means — not just for crypto, but for investors, startups, and the entire financial system.

🏦The Shift: Crypto, Meet the Mortgage Market

Historically, mortgage lenders haven’t touched crypto.

The volatility, the lack of centralized oversight, and unclear asset classification made it an easy “no” for underwriters. Until now.

With this policy change — led by Bill Pulte, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency — crypto is finally being recognized as a legitimate source of wealth by the most conservative institutions in U.S. finance.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Crypto assets will count toward loan qualification — if held on U.S.-regulated, centralized exchanges (sorry, cold wallet maximalists).

• Volatility will still be considered — this isn’t a blank check, but it is a foot in the door.

• You won’t need to liquidate your coins — a big win for holders trying to retain their upside while securing traditional financing.

Think about that for a second: people will now be able to leverage digital assets for real estate ownership, without selling or converting to fiat first.

📊 Why This Move Matters — and Why Now?

This shift didn’t come out of nowhere.

Let’s look at the bigger context:

• Over 50 million Americans hold crypto — that’s more than the number of active stock traders in the U.S.

• In 2024, Gen Z and Millennials accounted for 56% of all new homebuyers, and these generations are far more likely to hold crypto than boomers or Gen X.

• Stablecoin settlement volume in 2023 surpassed $11 trillion — nearly rivaling Visa.

In other words, digital assets are here, and the system has to catch up.

The U.S. government sees what’s happening — and whether this is a calculated financial move or a politically savvy one (hello, election year), the implications are clear:

🚀 What This Means for the Future of Capital, Startups & Investors

This is bigger than housing. This is about legitimacy.

When crypto becomes acceptable collateral in America’s $12 trillion mortgage market, it sends a signal across the entire financial ecosystem:

1. Startups can raise capital differently
   Platforms like FoundersCrowds are already preparing for a world where investors can pay with USDC, ETH, or other regulated crypto assets. The idea that capital only comes from fiat-based wire transfers is dying fast.

2. Alternative assets are becoming institutional
   We’re moving toward a financial system where crypto, collectibles, startup shares, and real estate can all co-exist — and cross-pollinate.

3. Investor profiles are changing
   Your next investor might not be a VC or a family office. It might be a 24-year-old with 5 figures in Solana, a deep understanding of your product, and a belief in your vision. The landscape is democratizing.

🔮 Will Crypto Replace the Dollar?

Let’s go there.

Is this the beginning of crypto replacing fiat? No, not exactly. But it is the beginning of deep integration. Think less “either/or” and more “both/and.”

We’re heading toward:

• Dual-wallet economies (USD + crypto)

• Tokenized real estate and shares

• Smart contracts manage lending terms

• Permissionless platforms lowering raise costs by 80%

It’s not about flipping the system — it’s about upgrading it.

And we at FoundersCrowd are building the rails for that future. Lower fees, full ownership, and tools that let startups raise directly from their communities using their own brand, not a third-party gatekeeper.

 💬 What Do You Think?

Do you see crypto becoming the backbone of U.S. finance?
Will mortgage lenders and investors get comfortable with wallets over W-2s?

Hit reply and tell us what you think — we’re reading every response and will feature the most thoughtful takes next week.