Yeliz Akmaca 
Strike CEO Jack Mallers revealed that JPMorgan Chase abruptly closed his bank accounts without any prior warning. The bank cited “suspicious activity” but provided no details. The incident has reignited debates over the Biden-era “Operation Chokepoint 2.0” and drawn significant attention from the crypto community.
JPMorgan Account Closure Justification
On Sunday, Mallers posted on X:
“Last month JP Morgan Chase kicked me out of the bank. It was weird. My dad has been a private client there for over 30 years.”
When he asked why his accounts were closed, the bank reportedly replied, “We are not allowed to tell you.” Mallers also shared a photo of a letter that appeared to come from JPMorgan and said, “I’m very proud I framed it.”
The letter stated:
“We have identified concerning activity. We are committed to complying with regulations and ensuring the safety and integrity of the financial system. Due to this commitment, we may not be able to open new accounts for you in the future.”
These statements highlight that crypto CEOs still face risks in accessing traditional banking services. On social media, users debated whether the alleged “Operation Chokepoint 2.0” remains active under the Biden administration.
Political and Industry Reactions
Operation Chokepoint 2.0 is described as a coordinated effort during the Biden administration in which federal banking regulators allegedly pressured banks to deny services to companies and executives in the crypto ecosystem.
In August, former President Trump issued an executive order aimed at preventing the closure of accounts for crypto-related businesses. In July, Trump’s Digital Asset Markets Working Group stated:
“The Trump Administration worked to end regulatory efforts that denied banking services to the digital asset sector, fully and once for all ending Operation Chokepoint 2.0.”
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino responded to Mallers on X:
“Bitcoin will withstand the test of time. Organizations trying to undermine it will fail and disappear. They cannot prevent people from choosing freedom.”
Bo Hines, who previously led former President Donald Trump’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets and now serves as a Strategic Advisor at Tether, reacted to the incident on X:
“Hey Chase… Operation Choke Point is over, right? Just checking.”
Hines’ comment reflects the view among some crypto advocates that political pressure, rather than genuine compliance issues, continues to influence banking relationships.
Implications and Risks for the Crypto Sector
Mallers’ account closure has brought financial access and regulatory risks in the crypto sector back into focus. Experts warn that such moves will not eliminate the industry; instead, they may push companies outside the U.S. Furthermore, these actions pose risks to blockchain innovation and democratic financial access.
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