Illustration depicting Crypto.com securing conditional OCC approval for a national trust bank charter amid crypto industry surge.
Illustration depicting Crypto.com securing conditional OCC approval for a national trust bank charter amid crypto industry surge.
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Crypto.com receives conditional OCC approval for national trust bank amid crypto charter surge

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Singapore-based Crypto.com has secured conditional approval from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for a national trust bank charter, announced on February 25, 2026. The firm, which applied in October 2025, joins a wave of cryptocurrency companies pursuing federal oversight for digital asset services like custody and staking.

Crypto.com announced on February 25, 2026, that its subsidiary Foris DAX has received conditional approval from the OCC to establish Foris Dax National Trust Bank, operating under the name Crypto.com National Trust Bank. The application was submitted in October 2025. This limited-purpose, non-depository national trust bank will focus on digital asset custody, staking, and trade settlement, in line with OCC interpretive letter 1176, and requires meeting conditions on capital, governance, and risk controls before full operations.

A Crypto.com spokesperson called it 'a significant milestone in our expansion roadmap in the United States, and furthers our commitment to regulatory compliance at the highest level.' CEO Kris Marszalek added: 'This brings us a major step closer to meeting leading institutions' needs for a one-stop-shop qualified custodian under a gold standard of federal oversight.'

The approval complements Crypto.com's existing Crypto.com Custody Trust Company, regulated by the New Hampshire Banking Department, without impacting its operations.

Founded in 2016, the company offers cryptocurrency exchange, digital wallet, custody, staking, settlement, and DeFi services. It previously secured an electronic money institution license from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority in 2023. Recent expansions include a Stripe partnership for merchant crypto payments and political engagements like donations to Trump's inauguration.

This development reflects a broader surge in conditional OCC charters for crypto firms, including late 2025 approvals for Circle, Ripple, Paxos, BitGo, and Fidelity Digital Assets, plus recent ones for Bridge and Payoneer. Pending bids include Coinbase and others. Analysts note a 'now-or-never' regulatory window, though critics like the Bank Policy Institute warn of blurred bank boundaries and systemic risks.

Vad folk säger

Initial reactions on X to Crypto.com's conditional OCC approval for a national trust bank charter are predominantly positive, hailing it as a significant advancement in crypto regulation, institutional custody, and integration with traditional finance. High-engagement posts emphasize enhanced credibility and services like staking. Skeptical sentiments link the approval to a $35M pro-Trump PAC donation, questioning regulatory favoritism. Neutral analyses note 'conditional' status implies ongoing compliance hurdles.

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Chicago-based crypto infrastructure provider Zerohash filed for a national trust bank charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency on March 4, 2026, becoming the eleventh company to do so in 83 days. The move, amid a wave of similar applications from firms like Circle, Ripple, and Coinbase, aims to enable nationwide custody of digital assets, fiat, staking, and stablecoin services, bypassing state licenses.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has finalized a rule broadening national trust bank activities beyond fiduciary roles, enabling fintech and cryptocurrency firms to offer custody services without full banking licenses. This follows December 2025 charter approvals and recent closure of the comment period, despite strong opposition from state regulators.

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Following December 2025 charter approvals for crypto firms, the OCC has closed comments on proposed rules clarifying national trust bank activities, while the CFTC issued guidance allowing stablecoins as margin collateral. Banking groups continue criticizing the charters as regulatory arbitrage and 'Franken-charters,' urging safeguards.

The CLARITY Act, aimed at providing regulatory clarity for digital assets, is advancing in Washington with hopes of passage by mid-2026. Negotiations focus on stablecoin yields, drawing involvement from President Trump and industry leaders. The bill could benefit ISO 20022-compliant coins like XRP and Stellar amid ongoing debates between banks and crypto firms.

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