Trump-Linked Crypto Venture Seeks U.S. Trust Bank Charter for Stablecoin Services

World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture linked to the Trump family, announced that its subsidiary, World Liberty Trust Company (WLTC), has applied to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for a national trust bank charter. The entity aims to provide digital asset custody and stablecoin services, including for its USD1 stablecoin.

The application represents a strategic move to expand access to institutional clients such as crypto exchanges, market makers, and investment firms. A national trust charter would allow WLTC to offer stablecoin issuance, redemption, on-ramp and off-ramp services, and custody under a single regulated entity.

This comes amid broader regulatory developments in the U.S. that are reshaping the crypto landscape. The Federal Reserve recently rescinded guidance restricting banks from engaging in crypto activities, while the FDIC proposed a pathway for banks to issue stablecoins under the GENIUS framework.

Why Did This Happen?

WLTC plans to serve institutional clients in the digital asset space, offering a full-stack solution for custody and stablecoin conversion. The Trump-linked venture is part of a growing trend of crypto firms seeking access to traditional financial infrastructure through regulated entities.

The company has also been working to mitigate conflicts of interest, particularly with its USD1 stablecoin. The stablecoin, currently custodied with BitGo, is valued at $3.4 billion. A banking charter could reduce dependency on third parties and accelerate product development.

How Did Markets React?

The U.S. crypto market has seen increasing institutional interest, with ETFs like Bitcoin and Ether ETFs accumulating over $135 billion in assets by late 2025. Despite this, allocations remain modest, with only 7% of institutional assets under management currently allocated to crypto. However, 71% of institutions plan to increase their exposure within the next year.

Regulatory clarity remains a key driver of adoption. According to a Goldman Sachs report, 35% of institutions cited regulatory uncertainty as a major barrier, while 32% identified regulatory clarity as the top catalyst. The proposed U.S. crypto regulatory framework, including the CLARITY Act, could address many of these concerns.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely following developments in stablecoin regulation and the potential for a bipartisan crypto market structure bill. The U.S. crypto landscape is expected to see further legislative action in 2026, which could impact the approval process for entities like WLTC.

Market participants are also watching how the OCC will evaluate the application, given the growing number of crypto-related charter requests. Firms such as BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Circle Internet Group have recently received approvals, signaling a shift in regulatory approach.

Investors are also considering the broader implications for institutional access and capital flows into crypto. With institutional adoption still in early stages, any regulatory progress could catalyze significant market expansion.

The approval of a national trust charter could position World Liberty to compete more effectively in the stablecoin and custody space. However, the company will need to navigate ongoing scrutiny from banking lobby groups and regulatory bodies.

As the crypto sector continues to evolve, the regulatory environment will play a crucial role in determining the pace of institutional adoption and market growth. For now, the focus remains on how the U.S. regulatory framework will shape the future of digital assets.