It’s official: SoFi is getting back into crypto, and I couldn’t be more excited. As someone who first dipped my toes into Bitcoin and Ethereum through SoFi’s platform a few years ago, this news feels like a homecoming. SoFi was one of the first fully licensed fintech banks to embrace crypto trading, and they helped demystify digital assets for everyday people like me. Now, after a brief hiatus (thanks to some regulatory curveballs), SoFi’s crypto comeback proves that their early vision was spot on. Let’s break down what’s happening and why it matters with a personal twist.
SoFi’s Crypto Comeback in 2025
SoFi’s CEO Anthony Noto recently confirmed that crypto investing will return for SoFi members by the end of 2025, marking a triumphant reentry into digital assets. The comeback isn’t just flipping a switch back on; it coincides with a major shift in U.S. banking regulation that finally green-lit crypto activities for banks. In fact, new guidance from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in early 2025 now explicitly allows nationally chartered banks to offer crypto custody and trading services, hold reserves for stablecoins, and more. This U-turn in policy opened the door for SoFi to reintroduce crypto trading (legally!) on its platform, after it had to reluctantly pause these services in late 2023 to secure its bank charter.
What does SoFi’s crypto relaunch look like? It’s not just bringing back the old features – it’s leveling up. SoFi announced plans to integrate crypto across its entire financial “one-stop shop” ecosystem. Here are some highlights of what’s coming:
Buy, Sell & Hold Crypto: Members will soon be able to trade popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum again on SoFi’s app. Finally, no more FOMO while friends brag about their latest crypto buys!Stablecoins & New Assets: SoFi plans to introduce its own stablecoins and offer a wider selection of digital currencies over time. That means more choice beyond the big names, all within a regulated platform.Crypto-Backed Borrowing: In true fintech fashion, SoFi wants to let members borrow against their crypto holdings. Imagine taking a loan with your Bitcoin as collateral – pretty cutting-edge for a bank, right?Blockchain-Powered Payments: SoFi is even weaving crypto into remittances and payments, enabling super-fast international money transfers via blockchain networks. Sending money abroad could become as easy as a crypto transaction, but with SoFi’s user-friendly interface.Galileo Integration: SoFi’s tech arm, Galileo, will offer crypto and blockchain infrastructure to other companies. This hints that SoFi isn’t just using crypto; it’s positioning itself as a bridge between traditional finance and Web3 for the whole industry.
In short, SoFi is doubling down on crypto in a way that goes beyond a basic trading feature. They’re treating digital assets as a core part of their future, from payments to lending. This bold expansion comes on the heels of strong financial results – SoFi had a stellar first quarter and raised its 2025 outlook – giving them the momentum (and confidence) to dive back into crypto. For fintech watchers, it’s a signal that crypto is becoming “normal” within regulated finance rather than remaining a fringe experiment. And for us users, it means our favorite finance super-app is about to get a lot more crypto-friendly again.
Visionary from the Start: SoFi’s Early Bet on Crypto
SoFi’s return to crypto isn’t a sudden change of heart – it’s more like picking up where they left off. Back in 2019, SoFi was one of the first mainstream fintech platforms to offer crypto trading, which was a visionary move at the time. They partnered with Coinbase to source liquidity and rolled out Bitcoin, Ether, and Litecoin trading on SoFi Invest when most banks wouldn’t touch crypto. This was way before the recent crypto hype; remember, Bitcoin was barely $10k in late 2019. Fintech apps like Robinhood and Revolut were dabbling in crypto, but SoFi stood out by integrating crypto within a fully regulated, banking-oriented platform. In fact, SoFi started out in 2011 as a lending company and always played by the book of banking compliance. Bringing crypto into that fold early on showed incredible foresight – they treated crypto not as a rogue wild-west asset, but as a legitimate part of personal finance.
That foresight paid off. Over the next few years, crypto markets exploded in value and popularity, validating SoFi’s belief that crypto was here to stay. (How big an explosion, you ask? From 2020 to mid-2025, Bitcoin and friends massively outperformed stocks, real estate, you name it – leaving traditional investments in the dust.) SoFi wasn’t just riding a trend; they were helping shape it. By the early 2020s, SoFi’s app offered over 20 different cryptocurrencies for trading, alongside stocks and ETFs, making it a true all-in-one hub for new investors. They also published educational articles and market news about crypto (shout-out to SoFi’s Learn platform and newsletters) which helped newbies understand volatile coins and blockchain basics. This blend of trusted bank + crypto innovation attracted many first-timers to give crypto a try in a safe environment.
Of course, the visionary path had a speed bump: regulators. When SoFi was approved for a national bank charter in 2022, U.S. regulators got nervous about banks handling crypto. So SoFi agreed to pause crypto trading by late 2023 as a condition of its banking license. It was a tough pill to swallow for those of us using SoFi for crypto – suddenly, we had to either cash out or transfer our coins elsewhere. But SoFi made that call to ensure they could become an official bank, betting that crypto-friendly rules would eventually come (and they were right). This temporary retreat never changed SoFi’s core belief in crypto’s potential. They kept the crypto team and tech ready in the wings, and now with rules finally catching up, SoFi’s early bet is back on. In hindsight, their initial crypto leap looks even smarter: they gained experience and user trust in crypto before nearly anyone in traditional banking dared to. 🔮 Visionary is exactly the word for it.
How SoFi Sparked My Crypto Journey (A Personal Story)
On a personal note, I owe SoFi a big thank you for kick-starting my crypto journey. I wasn’t an “early adopter” of crypto by any means – the whole concept felt intimidating at first. But a few years ago, while using SoFi for student loan refinancing (as many of us did), I stumbled on their SoFi Invest section. Lo and behold, there was a crypto trading option sitting next to my stocks! SoFi made it ridiculously easy to buy a few dollars of Bitcoin, and they provided handy explainers for each coin. I still remember reading a SoFi article breaking down what Ethereum is and how blockchain works, written in plain English with goofy analogies that even a newbie like me could grasp. They also ran some fun promotions – like giving $10 in Bitcoin for setting up a crypto account – which was the gentle nudge I needed. I thought, “Why not? It’s basically free Bitcoin to experiment with.” That experiment was the start of a now multi-year adventure in the crypto world.
Soon enough, I was regularly buying crypto on SoFi’s app during my lunch breaks – just small amounts, but it felt empowering to do it alongside my usual banking. The real shocker? I even got my wife into crypto through SoFi. She’s not one to mess with complicated finance apps, yet she found SoFi’s interface friendly enough to snag some Ethereum and earn crypto rewards on her SoFi credit card cashback (yep, SoFi even let you redeem credit card points into crypto!). Our dinner table conversations started including tidbits like “SoFi’s newsletter said Bitcoin is up 20% this month” or “Should we use some crypto gains to pay down the student loan?” – phrases I never imagined we’d be saying. SoFi turned investing into something relatable and fun for our household.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve become such a believer in the crypto space that I built my career in it. It’s wild to trace it back: if SoFi hadn’t been so forward-thinking about crypto back then, I might have missed the boat entirely. Their approach – a regulated bank that wasn’t afraid to embrace a bit of the future – gave me the confidence to explore an industry that can often seem like the Wild West. So when I heard SoFi is bringing crypto trading back, I felt like a friend who moved away is finally returning home. It’s not just about one company adding a feature; for me, it’s a full-circle moment that vindicates all those early curiosities and conversations SoFi sparked. 🎉
Why SoFi’s Return to Crypto Matters
SoFi jumping back into crypto now is a big deal for both fintech and crypto enthusiasts. First, it shows that the line between traditional finance and digital assets is blurring in a healthy way. A few years ago, crypto on a bank platform felt like a crazy idea; now a nationally chartered bank (SoFi Bank, N.A.) is not only offering it, but weaving it throughout its services. That’s a strong signal that crypto is gaining mainstream legitimacy. Regulators are coming around (finally!), and forward-thinking institutions like SoFi are ready to act when the rules make room. This could encourage other banks and fintechs to follow suit, resulting in more choices and safer on-ramps for people to get into crypto. The fact that even big banks like Morgan Stanley and Bank of America are tiptoeing into crypto now (they’ve hinted at exploring crypto offerings too) traces back to the groundwork laid by fintech visionaries like SoFi.
Second, SoFi’s crypto comeback could be great for its members (old and new). It reinforces SoFi’s identity as a one-stop financial shop – the place you can do everything, from taking out a mortgage to buying Dogecoin (responsibly, of course 😉). For users who were forced to migrate their coins elsewhere in 2023, this is a welcome reunion. And for those who are new to investing, having crypto alongside checking, savings, and stocks in one app simplifies the experience. SoFi’s emphasis on education and responsible innovation means we might see features like guided tutorials or safety prompts when newbies make their first crypto trade. It’s like having training wheels available on what can be a bumpy crypto ride. Trust and familiarity matter a lot when venturing into new financial territory, and SoFi has built both with its customer base.
Lastly, there’s a bit of poetic justice here. SoFi was ahead of its time on crypto – perhaps too far ahead for regulators’ comfort – and had to hit pause. Now, with the landscape shifting, SoFi’s early vision is vindicated. The company is essentially saying, “We never gave up on crypto. We just waited until we could do it right.” This comeback could very well push the industry forward, showing that you can blend cutting-edge tech like crypto with the safeguards of traditional banking. As a long-time SoFi user and crypto fan, I find that incredibly validating. It tells every fintech watcher out there that innovation might be delayed, but if it’s a good idea, it doesn’t die – it just bides its time.
Wrapping It Up
SoFi’s return to crypto isn’t just another news headline to me; it feels like watching a hero’s arc in a story. They took a risk early on, helped people (myself included) discover a new frontier, faced challenges, and are now coming back stronger and wiser. In a world where finance is constantly evolving, SoFi proves that being visionary sometimes means being patient through the hurdles. I can’t wait to open my SoFi app later this year, see that shiny new crypto section reappear, and know that the platform that started my crypto journey is once again leading the charge into the future of finance. 🚀
If this kind of evolution excites you, check out my article “Crypto’s Great Government Booster: How New Laws Are Turbocharging Web3 Adoption” to see how regulation is accelerating the next chapter of digital finance.
References
SoFi. *”SoFi Relaunches Crypto Platform with Expanded Access and New Features.”* SoFi Investor Relations, 2025.
FinTech Weekly. *”SoFi’s 2025 Strategy Signals Aggressive Growth in Fintech and Crypto.”* FinTech Weekly, 2025.
The Wall Street Journal. *”Fintech Firms Step Up Crypto Ambitions Amid Regulatory Clarity.”* WSJ, 2025.
CoinDesk. *”SoFi’s Crypto Expansion Is a Bet on Mainstream Demand.”* CoinDesk, 2025.
Bandyopadhyay, Abir. *”Digital Assets Are Humbling Wall Street’s Best.”* Firestorm Consulting, 25 June 2025. Vocal Media. https://vocal.media/theChain/digital-assets-are-humbling-wall-street-s-best
Bandyopadhyay, Abir. *”Crypto’s Great Government Booster: How New Laws Are Turbocharging Web3 Adoption.”* Firestorm Consulting, 24 June 2025. Vocal Media. https://vocal.media/theChain/crypto-s-great-government-booster-how-new-laws-are-turbocharging-web3-adoption
Bandyopadhyay, Abir. *”Amazon & Walmart Are Creating Stablecoins: Why Is This a Big Deal?”* Firestorm Consulting, 7 July 2025. Vocal Media. https://vocal.media/theChain/amazon-and-walmart-are-creating-stablecoins-why-is-this-a-big-deal
Bandyopadhyay, Abir. *”From Piggy Banks to Blockchains: How Web3 Is Transforming Traditional Finance.”* Firestorm Consulting, 17 June 2025. Vocal Media. https://vocal.media/theChain/from-piggy-banks-to-blockchains-how-web3-is-transforming-traditional-finance
Bandyopadhyay, Abir. *”ZK Proofs: The Privacy Power Move Transforming the Internet.”* Firestorm Consulting, 9 July 2025. Vocal Media. https://vocal.media/theChain/zk-proofs-the-privacy-power-move-transforming-the-internet
FAQ
What is SoFi and why is it important in crypto?
SoFi is a fully licensed fintech bank that was one of the first to offer crypto trading alongside traditional financial products. Its return to crypto signals growing mainstream acceptance.
Why did SoFi stop offering crypto?
SoFi paused crypto services in late 2023 to comply with federal banking regulations while securing its national bank charter. New OCC guidelines in 2025 allow it to resume legally.
How did SoFi help onboard new crypto users?
SoFi simplified crypto investing through user-friendly design, clear education, and incentives like crypto cashback. It became a trusted bridge for many first-time investors.
What does SoFi’s return mean for the future of fintech?
It shows that digital assets are maturing within regulated finance. SoFi’s comeback could push other banks and fintechs to integrate crypto as part of mainstream financial services.