Crypto.com has applied to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for a National Trust Bank Charter, marking a major step in its bid to expand regulated digital asset custody and staking services.
The move represents an effort by the Singapore-based exchange to enhance trust among corporate and institutional clients while strengthening its compliance footprint in the U.S. market.
Expanding Custody and Staking Operations
If approved, the charter would allow Crypto.com to provide federally regulated custody and staking services across multiple blockchains, including its own Cronos network.
The company aims to attract digital asset treasuries, ETFs, and other institutional investors by offering a compliant, secure infrastructure for managing cryptocurrencies.
“Building the Crypto.com product and service portfolio through regulated and secure offerings has been our focus since day one,” said Kris Marszalek, Co-Founder and CEO of Crypto.com.
“We are excited to take this next step by filing for a National Trust Bank Charter and look forward to continuing to pursue opportunities to provide customers with the trusted services they require,” he added.
Maintaining Current Operations
The filing will not impact the ongoing work of Crypto.com Custody Trust Company, which remains a Qualified Custodian regulated by the New Hampshire Banking Department.
This subsidiary will continue operating as before, ensuring existing clients experience no disruption.
Growing Institutional Ambitions
The move comes as a wave of crypto firms pursue similar regulatory charters to bolster institutional credibility.
Rival companies including Ripple, Circle, and Coinbase have all made comparable applications as the industry seeks federal oversight and access to traditional banking infrastructure.
For Crypto.com, obtaining a national trust charter would offer greater regulatory clarity and potentially unlock access to federal payment systems — key for attracting large financial clients.
Regulatory Challenges Ahead
Despite the potential benefits, the application process is expected to be rigorous.
The OCC will assess the company’s governance, risk management, capital adequacy, and operational controls before granting approval.
Observers note that the regulator remains cautious about extending charters to digital asset firms due to concerns over volatility, liquidity risks, and consumer protection.
Nonetheless, industry experts see the filing as a sign of growing maturity in the crypto sector, where exchanges are increasingly embracing regulation rather than resisting it.
Strengthening the Bridge Between Crypto and Finance
If approved, the charter could help Crypto.com cement its position as one of the most trusted players in the U.S. digital asset space.
The company has spent the past two years acquiring licenses and regulatory approvals across multiple markets, including the U.K., Singapore, and the UAE.
Its push into the American banking system signals an intent to serve as a regulated gateway for institutions looking to gain exposure to crypto in a compliant way.
Crypto.com’s application marks another step in the convergence between traditional finance and the digital asset economy — one that could redefine how large investors engage with cryptocurrencies in the years ahead.
