Sony Enters the Crypto Banking Race as Erebor Wins U.S. Approval

TLDR:

• Erebor received conditional OCC approval, becoming the first crypto-linked bank cleared for a national charter in the U.S.
• Sony filed through Connectia Trust to form a federally regulated crypto bank, entering direct competition with Erebor.
• Erebor’s model includes full depository services and FDIC protection, unlike Anchorage Digital’s limited charter.
• Circle, Ripple, Coinbase, and Stripe await OCC decisions as global tech and crypto firms compete for trust licenses.

The U.S. crypto banking scene is entering a new phase. A fresh competitor now has the green light while another global player prepares to join. 

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) granted conditional approval to Erebor, a crypto-focused bank backed by high-profile tech investors. Soon after, Sony filed to form its own regulated crypto trust, signaling a widening contest for federal oversight. 

As reported by journalist Eleanor Terrett, the competition to build compliant crypto banks in the U.S. is intensifying fast.

Erebor Gets Conditional Approval

Erebor, based in Ohio, became the first crypto-affiliated institution to receive initial approval for a national bank charter. That move positions it to operate as a full-service depository institution, bridging crypto operations and traditional finance. 

Erebor plans to serve firms in digital assets, AI, defense, and fintech, sectors struggling to find reliable banking partners since the collapse of Signature and Silvergate in 2023.

The OCC’s decision allows Erebor to begin its conditional phase before opening its doors. During this period, it must meet strict operational and compliance benchmarks. Erebor’s deposit insurance application is also pending with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which would allow it to protect client funds like any other commercial bank.

Anchorage Digital previously received an OCC trust charter in 2021 but remains limited to crypto custody services. Erebor’s national charter, however, extends beyond that, offering both payment settlement and lending capabilities once fully approved.

Sony Files for OCC Trust Charter to Enter U.S. Crypto Banking Market

While Erebor advances toward becoming a full-service crypto bank, Japanese tech conglomerate Sony has entered the same race. 

According to filings with the OCC, Sony’s subsidiary, Connectia Trust, aims to issue stablecoins and offer digital asset custody services in the U.S. If approved, it would make Sony one of the first major global tech firms to operate a federally regulated crypto institution.

Sony’s move comes at a time when global corporations are showing renewed interest in digital finance. The firm’s entry adds competitive pressure on crypto-native players like Circle, Ripple, and Coinbase, all of which are awaiting responses to their own OCC trust charter applications.

This development signals a clear shift. Tech firms are no longer satisfied with offering payments or wallet services. They want direct banking authorization, which enables them to issue stablecoins and handle deposits under U.S. oversight. 

The OCC’s growing list of applicants shows how regulatory clarity is slowly transforming crypto banking into a mainstream financial segment.

As Erebor prepares to meet its pre-opening requirements and Sony pursues approval, both moves indicate that crypto banking in the U.S. is evolving from fringe to institutional. The outcome of these applications could reshape how digital assets integrate with traditional banking structures.

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