Zerohash Joins Crypto Firms Seeking US National Trust Bank Charter

zerohash has formally applied for a National Trust Bank Charter with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), joining a growing wave of crypto and fintech firms pursuing federal trust bank status. This move reflects a broader industry push toward regulated digital asset infrastructure under unified federal oversight.

A New Entrant in the Race for Federal Trust Bank Status

On March 4, 2026, zerohash announced its application for a National Trust Bank Charter, aiming to operate as a federally regulated national trust bank. The charter would enhance its regulatory posture and expand its product offerings under a unified federal framework .

According to the OCC filing, zerohash’s proposed trust bank would offer services including custody of digital assets and fiat currency, custodial staking and validation, transfer agent services, trade execution, stablecoin management, and settlement, clearing, and escrow services . Stephen Gardner, zerohash’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, is proposed as the trust bank’s CEO .

Context: A Surge in Crypto Firms Seeking OCC Charters

zerohash joins at least ten other crypto and fintech firms competing for a U.S. national trust bank charter . In December 2025, the OCC granted conditional approvals to five firms—Circle, Ripple, BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Paxos—to establish national trust banks .

Additional conditional approvals followed in early 2026, including Stripe’s Bridge National Trust Bank, Crypto.com National Trust Bank, and Protego’s National Digital Trust Company . Morgan Stanley also filed for a trust charter in February 2026, proposing Morgan Stanley Digital Trust, National Association, to custody digital assets and facilitate fiduciary staking .

Why the Rush? Regulatory Clarity and Institutional Demand

The surge in applications reflects a shift in the regulatory landscape. In 2025, the FDIC, Federal Reserve, and OCC rescinded prior guidance that restricted banks from engaging in crypto-related activities, removing barriers for federally supervised institutions to enter the digital asset space .

Moreover, the OCC’s final rule clarifying the authority for national trust bank charters takes effect April 1, 2026. This deadline has created urgency among firms like zerohash to secure federal charters before the regulatory window narrows .

Significance for Stakeholders

Institutional Clients

A federal trust bank charter would allow zerohash to offer institutional clients a more secure and regulated infrastructure for digital asset services. Operating under federal supervision could enhance trust and attract larger partners .

Regulatory Landscape

The OCC’s conditional approvals signal a policy shift toward integrating digital asset services into the traditional banking system. Comptroller Jonathan Gould has emphasized that new entrants into the federal banking sector benefit consumers, the banking industry, and the economy .

Industry Competition

zerohash’s application intensifies competition among crypto infrastructure providers. As more firms secure federal charters, the landscape for digital asset custody, stablecoin issuance, and staking services becomes increasingly regulated and competitive.

Analysis: What Lies Ahead

Potential Implications

• Regulatory Precedent: If approved, zerohash would join a select group of federally chartered crypto firms, reinforcing the legitimacy of digital asset services under federal oversight.
• Market Consolidation: Federal charters may drive consolidation, as firms with robust infrastructure and regulatory readiness gain an edge.
• Innovation vs. Oversight: While federal charters offer legitimacy, they also impose stringent capital, governance, and risk-management requirements that may limit agility.

Diverse Perspectives

• Proponents argue that federal charters provide clarity, reduce fragmentation across state regimes, and enable safer institutional participation.
• Critics, including some traditional banking groups, contend that allowing nonbank firms into the federal banking system via trust charters may circumvent regulatory standards and pose competitive risks .

Future Developments

• OCC Review Process: zerohash’s application will undergo rigorous evaluation, including public comment and compliance with OCC conditions.
• Conditional Approvals: If granted, zerohash would likely receive conditional approval before full operational status, as seen with other firms.
• Industry Evolution: The outcome may influence how quickly digital asset services become embedded in mainstream finance.

Conclusion

zerohash’s application for a U.S. National Trust Bank Charter marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of crypto infrastructure. As part of a growing cohort of firms seeking federal oversight, zerohash aims to expand its custody, staking, and stablecoin services under a unified regulatory framework. The OCC’s evolving stance and the April 2026 rule deadline have accelerated this shift, signaling a new era of institutional-grade digital asset banking. The outcome of zerohash’s application will shape the competitive dynamics and regulatory contours of the crypto-finance interface in the years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a National Trust Bank Charter?

A National Trust Bank Charter is a federal license issued by the OCC that allows firms to operate as limited-purpose trust banks. These institutions can custody assets, manage stablecoins, and provide related services, but cannot accept deposits or offer loans.

Why is zerohash applying for this charter?

zerohash seeks the charter to enhance its regulatory posture, offer expanded services under federal supervision, and attract institutional clients by providing trusted, compliant infrastructure.

How many crypto firms have applied for or received such charters?

At least ten crypto and fintech firms have applied. Five—Circle, Ripple, BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Paxos—received conditional approvals in December 2025. Additional approvals followed for Stripe’s Bridge, Crypto.com, Protego, and Morgan Stanley’s application is pending.

What services would zerohash’s trust bank offer?

According to its OCC filing, the proposed trust bank would offer custody of digital assets and fiat, custodial staking, transfer agent services, trade execution, stablecoin management, and settlement, clearing, and escrow services.

What is the regulatory timeline for these charters?

The OCC’s final rule clarifying authority for national trust bank charters takes effect April 1, 2026. Firms are racing to submit applications before this deadline to secure federal oversight under the clarified framework.

What are the potential risks or criticisms?

Critics argue that allowing nonbank firms into the federal banking system via trust charters may bypass traditional regulatory safeguards. Additionally, firms must meet stringent OCC requirements, which may limit flexibility and impose operational burdens.