ZeroHash, which develops behind-the-scenes crypto infrastructure for businesses, said it applied for a National Trust Bank Charter from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), looking to operate under federal regulatory oversight.

If approved, the charter would give ZeroHash permission to issue stablecoins, custody digital assets and manage reserves under direct federal oversight. It would not be allowed to take customer deposits or engage in commercial lending.

That status could allow the Chicago-based company, which already holds licenses in 51 U.S. jurisdictions and operates internationally, to expand its stablecoin and digital asset services under a single federal framework, rather than navigating a patchwork of state-by-state rules.

ZeroHash is following a path forged by a number of other crypto companies. In the past month, several firms have received initial approval for national bank trust charters. These include Stripe’s stablecoin firm Bridge and cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com. In December, Circle Internet (CRCL), Ripple, Paxos, Fidelity Digital Assets and BitGo all received similar approvals.

Founded in 2017, ZeroHash's platform enables companies to embed stablecoins and digital asset functionality into services like payments, trading and payroll.

Clients include financial heavyweights like Morgan Stanley, Interactive Brokers, Stripe and Franklin Templeton.

In practical terms, a federal trust charter would let ZeroHash offer services that align with recent legislative developments, including provisions in the Genius Act, which clarifies the legal treatment of stablecoins in the U.S.

The OCC is now reviewing the application. No timeline for approval has been given.