Blockchain infrastructure firm Zerohash has applied for a national trust bank charter in the United States as it seeks to operate as a federally regulated trust bank and broaden its crypto service offerings.
The charter, issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), would allow the company to expand its activities under a federal regulatory framework. According to Zerohash, the license would enable it to provide services tied to digital assets, including those governed by the GENIUS Act.
We’ve applied for a National Trust Bank Charter with the OCC, a step that would further strengthen our regulated infrastructure.
Bloomberg (@business) covers the news: https://t.co/KrGwn8dEgK
— zerohash (@zerohashx) March 4, 2026
Zerohash moves to secure federal trust bank charter
Founded in 2017, Zerohash provides blockchain infrastructure that helps financial institutions and fintech companies integrate cryptocurrency services. Its platform supports functions such as crypto trading, custody, and stablecoin payments.
The company already works with several major financial and fintech players, including Morgan Stanley, Franklin Templeton, and Stripe, which rely on its technology to offer digital asset capabilities to their customers.
Stephen Gardner, Zerohash’s chief legal and compliance officer, said applying for the charter represents a strategic step in the company’s regulatory expansion.
“Applying for a National Trust Bank Charter is a natural next step in offering robust global licensing coverage and continuing to expand our product offering,”
Gardner said in a statement.
According to the OCC’s public records, Zerohash submitted its application in February alongside other applicants, including Morgan Stanley and PAYO Digital Bank.
Crypto firms race for regulatory approvals
The license has become increasingly attractive for crypto companies seeking regulatory clarity in the US. Following the passage of the GENIUS Act in July, firms offering stablecoin and custody services have intensified efforts to secure federal approvals.
The OCC released a notice of proposed rulemaking to implement the GENIUS Act, signalling the next phase of federal oversight for payment stablecoins in the US. Several companies have already received conditional approvals from the OCC, including Crypto.com, Circle, Ripple, Fidelity Digital Assets, BitGo, and Paxos.
However, the growing number of applications has also sparked scrutiny from lawmakers. Elizabeth Warren has recently raised concerns about transparency around crypto-related banking applications, particularly those involving foreign investment.
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