Digital Asset Firm Zerohash Applies for U.S. National Trust Bank Charter

zerohash seeks a U.S. trust bank charter as financial firms move toward regulated crypto custody and digital asset infrastructure.

Digital asset firms are pushing deeper into regulated finance as stablecoins and tokenized assets gain traction. Many companies now seek bank charters to expand services under federal oversight. Infrastructure provider zerohash has joined that trend with a new filing in the United States.

Move Toward Federal Oversight Could Expand Zerohash’s Services

zerohash has applied for a national trust bank charter from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). If regulators approve the request, the company will be able to operate as a federally regulated national trust bank in the United States. This would expand its regulatory standing and place it under direct federal oversight.

Many financial companies use zerohash’s technology to offer crypto services without building their own systems. The firm provides infrastructure that supports digital assets, stablecoins, and tokenized assets.

Major partners include Morgan Stanley, Interactive Brokers, Stripe, and Franklin Templeton. These firms use the zerohash systems to integrate digital asset features into their platforms.

Company officials say the bank charter would allow zerohash to offer more services under a federal regulatory structure. The company already operates with several licenses across different regions, but a national trust charter would add an extra level of regulation and credibility within the U.S. financial system.

Stephen Gardner, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at zerohash, said digital assets are moving closer to the core financial system. He further noted that partners rely on zerohash for regulated and secure infrastructure.

“Applying for a National Trust Bank Charter is a natural next step in offering robust global licensing coverage and continuing to expand our product offering.”

Gardner said.

The filing also aligns with ongoing legislative work around stablecoins and digital assets in the United States. Federal rules are slowly taking shape through proposals such as the GENIUS Act.

OCC Sees Rising Applications for Digital Asset Trust Banks

Interest in trust bank charters has grown among crypto companies and financial institutions. Firms view the charter as a path toward regulated custody and digital asset services.

Morgan Stanley recently filed a similar application. The bank submitted a request on February 18, 2026, for a de novo national trust bank charter. Bloomberg reported that approval would support the bank’s expansion into regulated crypto services.

Plans indicate that the proposed institution will operate as Morgan Stanley Digital Trust, National Association. The entity would provide digital asset custody and fiduciary services. Institutional clients would gain access to regulated crypto infrastructure through the bank.

OCC filings show several other applications tied to digital asset services. Pending submissions include PAYO Digital Bank, N.A., Laser Digital National Trust Bank, and World Liberty Trust Company, N.A.

Additional applicants include Augustus National Bank, N.A., Connectia Trust, N.A., and Coinbase National Trust Company. Each proposal involves entities planning to offer services linked to crypto assets.

Growing interest in national trust charters signals a shift in how digital asset firms approach regulation. Companies increasingly seek federal approval while expanding services for institutions and financial platforms. 

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