Coinbase has officially applied for a National Trust Company Charter with the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), marking another major step toward operating under a clearer regulatory framework in the United States. This strategic move aims to strengthen Coinbase’s role in bridging traditional finance and digital assets while reducing dependence on third-party banks.
đź“Ś Key Highlights
- Coinbase seeks a National Trust Charter to offer regulated financial services with greater autonomy.
- The license would limit reliance on external banks for fiat on- and off-ramps.
- Circle and Ripple have also submitted similar applications.
- The move supports Coinbase’s long-term goal of building a modern financial system driven by digital assets.
Coinbase Strengthens Regulatory Position
In its statement, Coinbase said that obtaining a National Trust Charter is part of its plan to expand business capabilities while staying aligned with federal regulatory standards. The company emphasized that it has no plans to become a traditional bank, but instead wants to ensure strong oversight, customer trust, and regulatory clarity.
“We’re expanding our business capabilities and regulatory oversight beyond the existing framework, paving the way for innovation and growth in building a modern financial system powered by digital assets,” Coinbase stated.
Once approved, the charter will allow Coinbase to offer payments and financial services without depending on partner banks. This will give the company greater control over fiat inflows and outflows, supporting its mission to deliver secure and seamless financial solutions.
Industry Experts Support the Move
Former Coinbase engineer Luke Youngblood, who helped develop the exchange’s staking program, explained that a trust charter gives Coinbase more flexibility to manage fiat transactions directly.
“No more relying on partner banks,” he said in a recent podcast. He also praised the significant improvements in Coinbase’s retail platform since 2022, noting the app’s smoother performance and better engineering.
Circle and Ripple Follow Similar Path
Coinbase joins a growing list of major crypto firms pursuing the same license. Circle, the stablecoin issuer, submitted its application on July 1, while Ripple Labs followed shortly after.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse described the charter as a “new and unique benchmark for trust” in the stablecoin market, signaling the industry’s shift toward regulated growth.
Recognition as a Global Crypto Leader
Adding to its momentum, TIME Magazine named Coinbase one of 2025’s 100 Most Influential Companies, honoring it as a “disruptor” for its impact on US digital asset policies and markets. The publication highlighted Coinbase as a key force in shaping crypto regulations, predicting it could become the central trading hub for digital assets in the US.
Expanding Presence in Europe
Beyond the US, Coinbase is strengthening its European footprint. It recently secured a license under the EU’s MiCA framework through Luxembourg’s financial regulator, enabling it to scale operations across the European Union with full compliance.
Bitcoin Accumulation Strategy Continues
Coinbase is also ramping up its Bitcoin holdings. In Q2, the company purchased 2,509 BTC worth approximately $222 million, raising its total to 11,776 BTC. This move places Coinbase back among the top 10 public Bitcoin holders, surpassing Tesla by coin count.
đź“ť Final Thoughts
Coinbase’s application for a National Trust Charter is a pivotal moment for the crypto industry. It reflects a broader trend where major digital asset companies embrace regulatory clarity, aiming to build trust, expand services, and bridge the gap between crypto and traditional finance.
As global regulations evolve, Coinbase’s proactive approach may set the standard for regulated crypto operations in the years ahead.
