LevelField Financial Secures Approval to Acquire Chicago Bank

In a significant development for the crypto industry, LevelField Financial has announced that it has received conditional approval from regulators to acquire Burling Bank in Chicago. This strategic move could position LevelField as the first FDIC-insured bank offering comprehensive crypto-integrated banking services across all US states and territories, representing a major step forward for fintech and digital asset banking in the United States.

The approval from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation accelerates the transition toward a rebranded LevelField Bank. Final approval from the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors is still pending, which is crucial for establishing LevelField as a bank holding company. Once completed, the institution aims to introduce 24/7 crypto banking, including Bitcoin-backed loans, Bitcoin rewards credit and debit cards, as well as digital asset custody and trading services.

LevelField’s strategy emphasizes serving businesses in underserved, under-banked sectors while capitalizing on the security and regulatory protections of the US banking system, according to CEO Gene A. Grant II.

Crypto Sector Faces Banking Challenges Amid Regulatory Tensions

The financial industry’s relationship with crypto continues to be complex, with some friction persisting despite increased institutional adoption. US banking groups remain wary of widespread stablecoin use, concerned it could lead to substantial deposit outflows that threaten the stability of traditional banking institutions.

For example, US banking regulators have voiced concerns that stablecoins offering yield might accelerate deposit drain from banks, which rely on customer deposits to fund loans and savings products. The US Treasury Department has also warned that widespread stablecoin adoption could result in over $6.6 trillion in deposit outflows from traditional banks by 2028.

Despite these concerns, the crypto industry continues to make inroads, with regulatory discussions intensifying around how digital assets and blockchain innovation can be integrated into mainstream finance. Mainstream banks such as Silvergate Bank and Signature Bank faced major setbacks earlier this year, highlighting regulatory and stability challenges within the crypto banking sector.

As the US navigates its approach to crypto regulation, the ongoing evolution of digital assets within the banking framework is likely to influence the future landscape of cryptocurrency adoption and financial stability.

This article was originally published as LevelField Financial Secures Approval to Acquire Chicago Bank on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.