Core Insights - Bridge, a subsidiary of Stripe, has received conditional approval for a national trust bank charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) [1] - This charter allows Bridge to issue stablecoins, custody digital assets, and manage reserves under OCC oversight, positioning it to support enterprises and fintechs within a federal framework [2] - The approval process timeline for final OCC approval remains uncertain, but similar firms have taken about four months in the conditional phase before receiving final approval [3] Regulatory Context - The OCC has conditionally approved several other firms for national trust bank charters, including Circle Internet Group, Ripple, Paxos Trust, BitGo, and Fidelity Digital Assets, which may have encouraged additional applications [4] - The Bank Policy Institute has expressed concerns regarding the increase in charter applications from digital asset firms, suggesting that it could blur the definition of a bank and increase systemic risk [5] - The trade group advocates for digital asset firms to pursue full-service national banking charters instead of limited-purpose trust licenses for traditional banking activities [6]

Core Viewpoint - Laser Digital, a spinoff from Nomura, has applied for a national trust bank charter to enhance its digital asset services and streamline regulatory compliance [1][2]. Group 1: Company Developments - Laser Digital plans to offer custody of digital assets and U.S. government securities, as well as spot trading and staking, but will not engage in direct deposits or trade securities [2]. - The application for the national trust bank charter aims to eliminate the need for state-by-state custody licenses, reflecting the company's strategic move to scale its operations [2]. - Steve Ashley, co-founder of Laser Digital, emphasized that the application aligns with the company's global ambitions and the importance of operating under stringent regulatory standards in the U.S. financial market [5]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has seen a significant increase in charter applications, with 18 de novo applications filed in 2025, indicating a growing interest among nonbank entities [2]. - The OCC conditionally approved national trust banking charters for five digital-asset firms in December, showcasing a trend towards regulatory acceptance in the digital asset space [3]. - Industry experts predict that the OCC will receive 25 novel charter applications in 2026, highlighting the evolving landscape of banking and the challenges to traditional banking franchise value [6].