Banking Industry Challenges OCC’s Crypto Charter Policies
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), led by former crypto executive Jonathan Gould, has streamlined national bank trust charters for crypto and fintech firms. This move allows these companies to operate across all 50 states, sparking backlash from traditional banking institutions.
Wall Street's Bank Policy Institute (BPI) is considering legal action against the OCC, arguing that relaxed standards for crypto companies could undermine consumer protections and financial stability. The BPI previously requested the OCC reject national trust charter applications in October 2025.
Controversy surrounds World Liberty Financial's January application for a national trust charter. The crypto firm's ties to Donald Trump's family have drawn congressional scrutiny, though banking groups have remained silent on this specific case.
Industry concerns focus on regulatory parity, with traditional banks arguing crypto firms shouldn't enjoy bank-like privileges without equivalent oversight. Paige Pidano Paridon of BPI warns this could blur legal definitions of banking and increase systemic risk.