Coinbase is applying for a national trust charter to expand its crypto payments business

**Coinbase Seeks National Trust Charter to Revolutionize Crypto Payments Ecosystem**

Cryptocurrency exchange giant Coinbase is pursuing a national trust charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), marking a strategic pivot to expand its digital payments infrastructure. Greg Tusar, Coinbase's Vice President of Institutional Product, confirmed this development in a Friday blog post, emphasizing that this move doesn't signal the company's intention to become a traditional bank.

This regulatory application positions Coinbase to enhance its cryptocurrency payment services while maintaining its core exchange operations. The national trust charter would enable broader institutional adoption of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets for payment processing. This development could significantly impact the DeFi landscape and accelerate mainstream cryptocurrency integration.

The trust charter application demonstrates Coinbase's commitment to regulatory compliance and institutional growth within the evolving blockchain ecosystem. As cryptocurrency payments gain traction globally, this strategic move could strengthen Coinbase's competitive position against rivals and traditional financial institutions entering the digital asset space. The charter would provide enhanced regulatory clarity for institutional clients seeking reliable cryptocurrency payment solutions.