Crypto bank charters stories

Aug 12, 2026

OCC opens national bank charters to crypto firms amid broader industry shift

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency announced that digital asset companies conducting legally permissible activities can pursue national bank charters, marking a significant regulatory opening for the crypto industry. The move comes as traditional financial institutions increasingly adopt blockchain technology and tokenized assets, though the OCC recently rejected Dutch fintech Bunq's charter application.

Aug 12, 20262 sources

Jul 31, 2026

Circle receives New York trust charter from NYDFS for USDC operations

Circle secured a limited-purpose trust charter from the New York Department of Financial Services, allowing it to operate Circle Internet Trust Company and adding state-level oversight to its existing federal OCC national trust approval.

Jul 31, 20265 sources

Jul 23, 2026

OCC Rejects Wise's National Trust Bank Charter Application; Company to Reapply Under GENIUS Act

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency denied London-based payments company Wise's application for a national trust bank charter, citing deficiencies. Wise plans to resubmit a new application under the GENIUS Act stablecoin framework.

Jul 23, 20269 sources

Jul 9, 2026

Sony Bank Receives Conditional OCC Approval to Issue Dollar-Backed Stablecoin in US

Japan's Sony Bank secured conditional approval from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to establish a national trust bank, Connectia Trust, with plans to issue a dollar-backed stablecoin.

Jul 9, 20263 sources

Apr 3, 2026

EDX Markets Applies for OCC National Trust Charter for Institutional Crypto Custody

EDX Markets, backed by Citadel and Charles Schwab, applied for a national trust charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency on April 1, 2026, to offer regulated custody and asset services separate from its trading operations. EDX joins at least eight other crypto firms pursuing similar federal banking charters.

Apr 3, 20263 sources

Coinbase Receives Conditional OCC Approval for National Trust Charter

Coinbase received conditional approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to operate as a national trust bank, enabling it to offer federally regulated crypto custody services. The approval moves Coinbase closer to operating as a federally regulated custodian pending final compliance review.

Apr 3, 20266 sources

Jul 10, 2025

US Senate confirms Jonathan Gould to head OCC

The US Senate has confirmed Jonathan Gould, former Bitfury legal chief, as head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) with a 50-45 vote. While his crypto background adds industry expertise, some lawmakers have raised concerns about his regulatory stance and past affiliations.

Jul 10, 20254 sources

May 7, 2025

OCC confirms US banks crypto custody services

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has authorized U.S. banks to provide crypto custody and execution services, including through third-party providers, without prior regulatory approval, fostering innovation while maintaining strict safety and compliance standards.

May 7, 20253 sources

Mar 7, 2025

OCC allows banks to engage in Crypto industry

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's letter allowing banks to offer cryptocurrency services marks a major shift for the crypto industry, signaling increased regulatory acceptance and the integration of digital assets into the traditional banking system.

Mar 7, 20253 sources