Crypto.com has taken a significant step toward expanding its footprint in the United States by submitting an application for a national trust bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). This move aligns Crypto.com with other major digital asset firms, like Coinbase and Ripple, that are seeking to operate under unified federal regulation rather than dealing with varied state-by-state requirements.

By aiming for this charter, Crypto.com intends to offer federally regulated trust and custody services nationwide, streamlining its ability to serve institutional clients such as ETF sponsors, corporations, and financial advisers. The charter would allow Crypto.com to provide specialized services like digital asset custody, safekeeping, and other fiduciary operations across the country. Unlike full-service commercial banks, a national trust bank charter does not permit taking FDIC-insured deposits or making traditional loans, but it does grant the authority to hold and manage assets on behalf of clients on a national scale.

This strategic filing does not affect the operations of Crypto.com’s existing New Hampshire–chartered Custody Trust Company, which will continue to serve as a qualified custodian for institutional clients. The application represents Crypto.com’s continued focus on regulatory compliance, security, and expanding services for institutional investors in the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape.

Crypto.com’s move is part of a broader industry trend, as digital asset firms seek federal oversight to enhance their services and legitimacy, especially amid a shifting regulatory environment. If granted, the charter would further integrate cryptocurrency platforms with traditional financial infrastructure and open new avenues for offering secure, federally supervised financial products.