Coinbase Secures Full U.S. Trust Charter from Federal Banking Regulator

full trust charter — Coinbase has obtained a full-fledged national trust charter from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, elevating its status from a conditional approval.

The upgrade grants the largest U.S. cryptocurrency exchange the same regulatory standing as traditional national trust banks, solidifying its ability to offer custodial services across all 50 states. This charter allows Coinbase Custody Trust Company to operate under a federal framework, providing a clearer legal foundation for its institutional and retail custody offerings.

The OCC, a bureau of the U.S. Treasury Department, originally granted Coinbase a conditional charter in 2021. The transition to a full charter follows a multi-year operational review and signifies the regulator’s confidence in the company’s compliance and risk management systems.

This development marks a significant regulatory milestone for the crypto industry, potentially setting a precedent for other digital asset firms seeking federal banking charters. It underscores the ongoing integration of compliant crypto businesses into the established U.S. financial regulatory system.