Blockchain infrastructure firm Zerohash announced it has applied for a US national trust bank charter, signaling its intent to operate under federal oversight and expand stablecoin and custody services. The application, submitted on February 27, would allow Zerohash to provide trust services, asset safekeeping, and other fiduciary activities to banks, brokerages, and fintech partners, including Morgan Stanley, Interactive Brokers, Stripe, and Franklin Templeton.
The move comes amid a surge in crypto companies pursuing federally regulated bank charters following the passage of the GENIUS Act in July 2025. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has recently granted conditional approvals to Circle, Ripple, Bridge, Stripe, and other firms, reflecting growing regulatory acceptance of digital asset-focused banking operations in the US. The trust charter is seen as a key instrument for integrating crypto infrastructure with traditional finance.
Several other institutions, including Coinbase, World Liberty Financial, Payoneer, and Laser Digital, are awaiting OCC decisions on their applications. Regulators have emphasized that new entrants with federally supervised charters can enhance competition, broaden access to financial services, and support the safe expansion of digital asset offerings in the US banking system
