US regulator grants initial approval for major crypto firms to launch national trust banks
The preliminary decision marks a significant step toward deeper integration of digital assets into the U.S. financial system, expanding innovation while reinforcing regulatory oversight.
Crypto industry leaders received an important boost on Friday as a top U.S. banking regulator granted conditional approval for several companies to move toward establishing national trust banks, signaling a new phase of cooperation between traditional finance and the fast-growing digital asset sector.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued preliminary authorization for Ripple and Circle to form national trust banks, a milestone that industry analysts say could strengthen the bridge between blockchain technology and mainstream banking infrastructure.
Additional approvals were also granted to BitGo, Paxos and Fidelity, allowing their existing state trust charters to begin the transition toward national status, which would enable the companies to serve customers across the United States under a unified supervisory framework.
While the approvals remain conditional, the move reflects increasing confidence that regulated digital asset institutions can contribute to secure asset custody, faster settlement processes and improved interoperability between crypto platforms and conventional banks.
A final regulatory sign-off is required before any of the firms can begin operations under their national trust bank charters, ensuring that each company meets the OCC’s rigorous standards for compliance, risk management and safety protocols.
If completed, the charters will authorize the companies to safeguard digital assets, manage custodial services and execute payment settlements, offering enhanced efficiency and greater reliability for institutional and retail customers navigating the digital economy.
The trust bank designation does not permit activities such as accepting traditional cash deposits or issuing loans, but the expanded nationwide operating authority could help accelerate adoption of secure, compliant crypto-based financial services.
Anchorage Digital remains the only company currently operating under a national trust bank charter, though the OCC oversees a total of sixty national trust banks across the U.S. financial landscape, demonstrating the regulator’s longstanding experience with this model.
The Comptroller of the Currency said that new participants entering the federal banking sector can support competition, promote safer practices in digital asset management and strengthen the broader financial system by expanding specialized expertise.
Industry observers noted that the move could encourage more responsible innovation by giving major crypto firms the ability to operate within a unified regulatory structure rather than relying on a patchwork of state-level rules.
Some banking groups expressed concern that the expansion of national trust charters could create opportunities for regulatory arbitrage, though supporters argue that federal oversight ensures a consistent and transparent framework for all approved institutions.
The preliminary approvals arrive at a time of renewed policy attention on digital assets, with the administration exploring updates to cryptocurrency guidelines aimed at balancing innovation with financial stability and consumer protection.
Analysts say that bringing established crypto custodians under a national regulatory umbrella could help reduce fragmentation in digital asset oversight, increase institutional confidence and facilitate more secure participation in tokenization, payments and digital settlement.
The decision is widely viewed as a signal that U.S. financial regulators are moving toward a more structured and cooperative approach with the crypto industry, recognizing the sector’s growing influence on global payments, cross-border transfers and digital value systems.
For companies like Ripple and Circle, which already play major roles in international payment networks and stablecoin infrastructure, the opportunity to operate as national trust banks could enhance transparency, streamline compliance requirements and strengthen long-term strategic growth.
The development also highlights the broader shift toward integrating blockchain-based solutions into regulated financial frameworks, a trend gaining momentum as markets increasingly demand faster, safer and more efficient transaction models.
If finalized in the coming stages, the new national trust banks could contribute to a more modern financial ecosystem, supporting customer confidence and expanding access to secure, regulated digital asset services across the country.
As the process moves forward, industry leaders and policymakers will continue to coordinate on building a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while ensuring responsible practices, helping digital assets evolve within a stable and trusted national framework.
