The issue of 'debanking' has emerged as a contentious topic within the banking and cryptocurrency industries, drawing attention from both sectors and now heading to Capitol Hill for further debate. Debanking refers to the practice of banks closing accounts they perceive as posing financial, legal, regulatory, or reputational risks. This practice has gained notoriety recently, particularly after venture capitalist Marc Andreessen discussed it on 'The Joe Rogan Experience' podcast, accusing Democrats of pressuring banks to refuse business with crypto start-ups. The crypto industry has expressed significant concern, with executives like Coinbase's Brian Armstrong confirming the issue and alleging political interference. Lawmakers, including Senator Tim Scott and Representative French Hill, have vowed to investigate whether crypto firms and founders are being unfairly targeted. The debate centers around whether this is a case of 'debanking' or 'derisking,' where banks manage their risk exposure by dropping high-risk clients, sometimes following guidance from regulators like the Federal Reserve and the FDIC.