Digital asset firm Zerohash has applied for a US national trust bank charter to expand its services in custody and payments. The Chicago-based company aims to offer custody for digital assets and fiat, along with staking and stablecoin management. This move comes amid a wave of similar applications from crypto firms during the second Trump administration.
Zerohash, a Chicago-based provider of digital asset infrastructure, has submitted an application to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for a national trust bank charter. The firm, which operates under the Zerohash brand, supports banks, brokerages, and fintech platforms with crypto services. Its clients include the prediction markets platform Kalshi and asset manager BlackRock.
Under the proposed charter, the new entity would handle custody for digital assets, fiat currency, and other assets. It would also provide custodial staking, transfer agent services, and stablecoin management. Zerohash's chief legal officer, Stephen Gardner, is slated to serve as the chief executive officer of the trust bank.
This application aligns with a broader trend among crypto and fintech companies pursuing federal trust charters. In December, the OCC granted conditional approvals to Circle Internet Group Inc., Ripple, BitGo Inc., Fidelity Digital Assets, and Paxos. Unlike traditional banks, trust banks are restricted from accepting deposits or issuing loans but can safeguard assets in custody.
Earlier this year, Mastercard explored acquiring Zerohash for as much as $2 billion. The firm opted to stay independent, and the two companies are now in talks for a strategic investment that would give Mastercard access to Zerohash's technology and clients without a full takeover.
The application was reported on March 4, 2026, highlighting ongoing regulatory shifts in the digital asset space.
