JPMorgan’s Fee Hike: Crypto’s New Nightmare?

According to Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) partners, large U.S. banks are no longer relying on direct shutdowns to pressure crypto and fintech firms. Instead, they’re introducing steep data-access fees, slowing transfers, and selectively cutting off services to platforms they view as competition. 💸🧠

JPMorgan’s new pricing model for data aggregators has become a flashpoint. The fees, set to take effect later this year, could hit a range of fintechs and crypto-linked services, from Venmo to Coinbase. 🐍💸

Critics warn the costs may be passed on to consumers or force smaller firms to scale back. Imagine paying for a coffee, then paying again just to drink it. 🚨

Ripple CTO David Schwartz has labeled the approach “indirect regulation” and “a despicable evil,” likening it to the pressure tactics seen in earlier chokepoint operations. 🧙‍♂️

The renewed friction comes just as the Trump administration is pushing a pro-crypto agenda. Its “Golden Age of Crypto” plan aims to encourage innovation and attract institutional capital back to U.S. markets. 🌟

Yet, with banking giants tightening the screws through policy changes, the path toward broader integration of crypto into traditional finance may be bumpier than expected. 🛑

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2025-08-02 20:57