Zerohash Seeks US Bank Charter to Expand TradFi Services

Edgen Crypto·Mar 05 2026, 03:59

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Key Takeaways

Blockchain infrastructure firm Zerohash has applied for a U.S. national trust bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). This move aims to bolster its regulated stablecoin and custody offerings for its traditional finance clients, including Morgan Stanley and Stripe, placing it among a growing number of crypto companies seeking federal oversight.

Zerohash submitted its application for a national trust bank charter to the U.S. OCC on February 27.
The charter would allow Zerohash to expand regulated stablecoin and custody services to its client base, which includes Franklin Templeton and Interactive Brokers.
This action follows the passage of the GENIUS Act in July, which has prompted a wave of similar applications from firms like Circle, Ripple, and Stripe.

Zerohash Files for National Trust Bank Charter on Feb 27

Blockchain infrastructure provider Zerohash officially submitted an application on February 27 for a U.S. national trust bank charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). The firm aims to establish the "zerohash national trust bank" to expand its regulated stablecoin and digital asset custody services. This strategic move is designed to strengthen its payment rail offerings for its roster of traditional finance clients, which includes notable firms like Morgan Stanley, Interactive Brokers, Stripe, and Franklin Templeton.

Crypto Firms Pursue Federal Charters After GENIUS Act

Zerohash's application is part of a larger industry trend where crypto-native companies are seeking federal bank charters to enhance their regulatory standing. This pursuit of legitimacy follows the passage of the stablecoin-focused GENIUS Act in July. The OCC has already granted conditional licenses to several major players, including Crypto.com, Bridge, and Stripe last month, in addition to charters won by Circle, Ripple, and Fidelity Digital Assets in December.

Other financial and crypto companies are also in the queue. Morgan Stanley and Payoneer both submitted applications in February, while Coinbase has been awaiting a decision on its application since October. According to Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould, this influx of new entrants into the federal banking sector is "good for consumers, the banking industry and the economy" because it fosters competition and innovation.