Article Summary

**Coinbase Seeks National Trust Company Charter to Expand Cryptocurrency Custody Services** Cryptocurrency exchange giant Coinbase has filed an application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to become a national trust company, marking a significant expansion of its institutional custody business. This strategic move positions Coinbase to compete directly with traditional financial institutions in the rapidly growing digital asset management sector. The national trust charter would enable Coinbase to offer enhanced cryptocurrency custody solutions, including Bitcoin and blockchain-based asset storage services for institutional clients. This development comes as traditional banks increasingly seek exposure to DeFi protocols and digital currencies, driving demand for regulated crypto custody providers. By obtaining federal banking oversight, Coinbase aims to strengthen its position in the institutional cryptocurrency market while providing greater regulatory clarity for its custody operations. The charter application represents Coinbase's commitment to building compliant infrastructure that bridges traditional finance with the evolving blockchain ecosystem. This regulatory milestone could accelerate institutional adoption of cryptocurrency investments and potentially impact Bitcoin and altcoin market dynamics as more traditional investors gain access to professionally managed digital asset custody services through established exchanges like Coinbase.