Laser Digital applies for US crypto trust bank charter

Laser Digital seeks a U.S. trust bank charter, aiming to offer regulated crypto trading nationwide and join other fintechs integrating into the U.S. financial system.

Laser Digital, a digital asset company backed by Nomura, has applied for a U.S. national trust bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). This move would allow Laser Digital to operate nationwide, bypassing the need for state-by-state custody licenses and enabling spot trading of digital assets without accepting customer deposits. The OCC’s charter approval process involves both preliminary and final authorization stages, which can take up to a year. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient capital and operational capability to secure approval. Founded in 2022, Laser Digital already holds regulatory approvals in Switzerland and Dubai. By seeking a federal charter, it joins a growing number of crypto and fintech firms aiming to expand regulated services in the U.S., signaling deeper integration of digital assets into the financial system.