SoFi launches crypto trading, citing ‘Bank-level confidence’ as key edge

What to know

• SoFi has become the first nationally chartered consumer bank in the U.S. to offer in-app crypto trading, giving users access to bitcoin, ethereum, solana and more.
• The phased launch of SoFi Crypto lets customers manage digital assets alongside checking, savings, lending and investing in a single app.
• SoFi plans to expand its blockchain strategy with remittances, a USD stablecoin and crypto-integrated lending products.

SoFi has become the first nationally chartered consumer bank in the U.S. to launch in-app cryptocurrency trading, adding bitcoin, ethereum, and solana access to its growing suite of financial services.

The company announced the launch of SoFi Crypto on Tuesday, marking a significant expansion of its all-in-one financial platform. Customers will now be able to buy, sell, and hold dozens of cryptocurrencies alongside checking, savings, lending, and investing.

The crypto feature is rolling out in phases and will be available to all users in the coming weeks, according to the company.

The move follows a shift in SoFi’s strategy after the company paused digital asset services in 2023 while seeking a banking license. At the time, crypto faced stricter regulatory scrutiny under the Biden dministration. Earlier this year, CEO Anthony Noto said SoFi planned to re-enter the crypto space, and this rollout marks the company making good on that pledge.

Unlike fintechs or brokerages, SoFi operates with a full national bank charter, which brings stricter compliance requirements. That difference could matter to customers: the company says 60% of its users would rather store crypto with a licensed bank than a crypto-native exchange.

SoFi is also developing a U.S. dollar stablecoin and has plans to integrate crypto further into lending and payments products.