Crypto companies are moving closer to traditional banking as US regulators consider and approve more applications for national bank and trust charters. The shift could change how digital assets are custodied, stablecoins are issued and blockchain payments are integrated into regulated financial infrastructure.

The trend accelerated after the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) reaffirmed in 2025 that national banks can provide crypto custody, hold stablecoin reserve deposits and use distributed ledger technology for permitted payment activities. 

Crypto Firms are Seeking Federal Charters

The OCC’s 2026 licensing database shows a growing pipeline of digital-asset applicants. Applications have come from firms including Payward National Trust Company, Agora National Trust Bank, Catena Trust Bank and World Liberty Trust Company, among others. 

A federal charter can be particularly attractive as it may allow a company to operate under a unified federal supervisory framework rather than assembling a patchwork of state-level licenses.

However, not every charter creates a conventional bank. National trust banks generally focus on activities such as custody, fiduciary services and asset administration and may not automatically have authority to take ordinary deposits or make traditional loans.

Stablecoin Issuers Could Move Closer to Banking

Stablecoins are one area where charters could have a significant impact. The OCC reaffirmed that national banks and federal savings associations can hold deposits backing stablecoins and use stablecoins for permissible payments. In March 2026, the regulator also proposed rules implementing federal stablecoin legislation for entities under its jurisdiction. 

On August 14, the OCC conditionally approved a national trust bank charter for World Liberty Financial. Reuters reported that the structure would allow the company to issue its USD1 stablecoin and provide custody under federal supervision, while requiring at least $20 million in capital. The trust bank would not operate like a full-service deposit-taking lender. 

Crypto Custody Could Become More Bank-Like

Custody is another major area of change. OCC Interpretive Letter 1184 confirmed that banks can buy and sell crypto held in custody when directed by customers and may use qualified third-party providers for custody and execution, subject to appropriate risk management. 

This could encourage institutional investors to access digital assets through entities operating under familiar bank-supervision standards rather than relying exclusively on crypto-native exchanges.

Charters Do Not Remove Crypto Risk

Federal oversight should not be confused with eliminating risk. Banks offering crypto services still need systems for cybersecurity, private-key protection, liquidity, anti-money-laundering compliance and third-party risk. US banking regulators have emphasized that crypto safekeeping must be conducted safely and soundly under applicable laws. 

A charter also does not necessarily mean that every crypto product receives deposit insurance or other protections associated with traditional bank accounts.

Also Read: Kraken Fed Master Account Delay Tests US Crypto Banking Access

Final Thoughts

Bank charters could blur the boundary between crypto companies and traditional financial institutions. Custody, stablecoin issuance and blockchain payments may increasingly be offered through federally supervised entities rather than stand-alone crypto platforms.

For users and institutions, this could bring clearer oversight and more standardized infrastructure. But the details of each charter remain crucial: a regulated crypto trust bank is not automatically the same thing as a traditional commercial bank.

FAQs:

1. What is a crypto bank charter?

A crypto bank charter allows a digital-asset company to operate certain regulated financial activities under federal or state supervision. Depending on the charter, these activities can include custody, fiduciary services and asset administration.

2. Why are crypto companies applying for national trust bank charters?

A federal charter can provide a more consistent supervisory framework and may reduce reliance on multiple state-level licensing regimes. It can also strengthen institutional confidence in custody and other regulated crypto services.

3. Can federally chartered banks provide crypto custody services?

Yes, national banks can provide crypto custody and related services when conducted in a safe and sound manner. They may also use qualified third-party providers for custody and transaction execution, subject to appropriate risk controls.

4. How could bank charters affect stablecoins?

Chartered institutions may be able to hold stablecoin reserves, support permitted payment activities and, depending on their authorization, issue or administer stablecoins. This could bring stablecoin infrastructure closer to traditional regulated banking.

5. Does a bank charter make crypto products FDIC-insured?

Not automatically. A national trust bank charter does not necessarily mean customer crypto assets or stablecoins receive deposit insurance. Users still need to understand the exact charter, custody structure and protections attached to each product.