Crypto.com Bridges Crypto and Traditional Banking with Federal Charter Bid

Crypto.com has taken a significant step toward establishing a regulated presence in the U.S. financial system by filing an application for a National Trust Bank Charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). The move, announced on October 24, 2025, aims to expand the cryptocurrency platform's custody and institutional services under federal oversight, signaling a broader push by crypto firms to align with traditional banking frameworks .

The charter application, if approved, would enable Crypto.com to offer federally regulated custody and staking services across multiple blockchains, including its own Cronos network. These services are targeted at institutional clients such as Digital Asset Treasuries, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and corporate investors seeking secure platforms for managing crypto assets. CEO Kris Marszalek emphasized that the initiative is part of the company's long-term strategy to build trust with regulators and users while maintaining a compliance-first approach .

The filing does not disrupt Crypto.com's existing operations, which remain under the New Hampshire Banking Department's trust license. The company confirmed that its Crypto.com Custody Trust Company will continue its role as a qualified custodian without changes . This dual regulatory approach underscores the firm's efforts to balance innovation with security, a critical factor as institutional demand for compliant crypto exposure grows.

Crypto.com's pursuit of a federal charter places it in a small but growing group of crypto firms seeking full trust authorization. Such approval would strengthen its position in the market by providing institutional clients with federally supervised custody solutions, aligning digital asset operations more closely with traditional banking standards . This move also reflects a broader industry trend, as major Wall Street institutions like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs increasingly integrate crypto into their services. For instance, JPMorgan is reportedly preparing to allow institutional clients to use Bitcoin and Ethereum as collateral for loans by year-end .

The application process for the charter is ongoing, with no set timeline for a decision. However, the filing itself marks a pivotal moment for Crypto.com, which has positioned itself as a bridge between digital and traditional finance. By securing federal trust authority, the company aims to enhance its credibility and expand its offerings in a sector where regulatory clarity remains a key challenge .