Coinbase has filed an application with the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for a National Trust Company Charter, the company said in a statement on Friday. The move would let Coinbase offer certain payments and financial services directly in the United States.
The company says the filing aims to bring its digital asset business closer to the rules that govern traditional finance. Coinbase says the charter will expand the scope of its regulated activities while it keeps building crypto products.
Application and company goals
Coinbase framed the filing as a step to broaden oversight and to add new services. The company said it wants to expand business capabilities and operate under clearer regulations.
It says the charter would help the firm innovate while also giving regulators and customers more confidence. Coinbase made clear it is not trying to become a bank. The company said it has no plans to run as a traditional bank.
Why does the charter matter?
If approved, the charter would let Coinbase handle fiat inflows and outflows with less reliance on outside banks. That could speed transfers and simplify on and off-ramps for customers.
It would also give Coinbase more control over payments and other services tied to digital assets. In short, the charter could reduce the company’s dependence on partner banks and change how it moves money.
Inside perspective
Luke Youngblood, a former Coinbase engineer who helped build its staking program, said a trust charter would let Coinbase manage fiat flows directly. He described the change as removing a major operational limit.
Youngblood also praised recent tech hires. He said the retail app and debit card are much better than when he left in 2022. He said the team has added strong engineers and improved the user experience.
Industry peers and timing
Coinbase is not alone in seeking this license. Circle and Ripple are also pursuing trust charters. Circle filed earlier, and Ripple followed with its own application.
Ripple’s CEO Brad Garlinghouse has said the license could set a new standard for trust in the stablecoin market. The trend shows major crypto firms are moving to fit into a more formal regulatory framework.
Also Read: Cleanspark Secures $100 Million Bitcoin Backed Loan From Coinbase, Share Price Jumps By 5%
Regulatory and public recognition
TIME named Coinbase one of the 2025 100 Most Influential Companies. The magazine called Coinbase a disruptor for its role in shaping US policy and markets.
That recognition adds to the exchange’s public profile as it seeks more formal oversight. At the same time, Coinbase has extended its reach in Europe.
The firm secured a license under the EU’s MiCA rules through Luxembourg’s regulator. That step shows the company is pursuing regulatory paths on multiple fronts.
What do leaders say?
Coinbase’s CEO said the firm has prioritised compliance and customer trust from the start. He stated, “A national trust charter is a logical next step.”
He said, “The charter would help the company create new products that link crypto and the broader financial system.” The company framed the move as a path to both innovation and stronger oversight.
A trust charter would not make Coinbase a bank. It would, however, change how the company moves money and runs some services. The details will depend on the charter terms and on the OCC’s review.
Also Read: Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Projects Bitcoin To Reach $1 Million By The Year 2030