- For cryptocurrency companies involved in legally allowed digital asset activity, OCC provides a national bank charter path.
- While adhering to federal banking regulations, cryptocurrency businesses may apply for national bank charters in the United States.
- The policy change may be advantageous for stablecoin services, digital asset safekeeping, and payments.
- Circle’s accreditation by the national trust bank demonstrates how cryptocurrency companies can join the regulated banking system. Concerns regarding the OCC’s approval of bank charters connected to cryptocurrencies have been voiced by Elizabeth Warren.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is opening the door for more crypto companies to seek national bank charters in the United States.
New entrants to the banking system drive competition & innovation and are crucial to a healthy financial system. Under @SecScottBessent’s leadership, the OCC is reinvigorating de novo chartering and commends @FDICgov for its recent efforts to do the same. https://t.co/vlA7E2zL4w pic.twitter.com/Mc5Gr1eQBf
— OCC (@USOCC) August 11, 2026
The regulator said businesses involved in legally allowed digital asset activities should have a path to becoming national banks. The move could give crypto firms another way to build regulated financial services in the U.S.
OCC Supports Crypto Bank Applications
In a statement, the OCC said it wants to bring back more new bank applications and make the process easier for companies that want to enter the banking sector.
OCC Comptroller Jonathan V. Gould said companies should not be blocked from becoming national banks simply because they use new technology.
He said businesses involved in legal activities, including digital assets, should have a path to becoming national banks.
However, the statement does not mean every crypto company will automatically receive a bank charter. Applicants will still need to meet the OCC’s banking rules and go through the normal review process.
Crypto Firms Could Seek New Opportunities
The move could be important for companies working in digital asset custody, payments, stablecoins, and other blockchain-based financial services.
Several crypto companies have already moved toward bank charters. Circle, for example, received approval for a national trust bank in July. The bank is initially focused on digital asset custody.
Trust banks can allow companies to offer certain financial services without operating like traditional banks that take customer deposits.
Warren Raises Concerns Over Crypto Charters
Senator Elizabeth Warren has questioned the agency’s approval of crypto-related bank charters. She has raised concerns about whether these companies should receive access to banking structures and whether the approvals follow federal banking rules.
The Digital Chamber has pushed back against these concerns, saying OCC-approved crypto charters are subject to federal rules and supervision.
OCC Wants More New Banks
The latest move is also part of a wider OCC effort to increase new bank formation in the U.S. The agency said new bank applications have fallen sharply over the past 15 years. It reported receiving 40 applications for new banks during the past 18 months, including national trust bank applications.
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