Stripe Eyes National Trust Charter Amid Stablecoin Push
Stripe is preparing to apply for a national trust charter with U.S. regulators as part of a broader expansion into stablecoin services, according to reports from industry outlets. The application, expected to be filed through its crypto-focused subsidiary Bridge, would allow Stripe to align with anticipated federal oversight of digital dollar tokens and position itself as a leader in regulated stablecoin payments.
The planned charter application signals Stripe’s intention to work under direct supervision of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the primary regulator for national banks. A national trust charter would enable Bridge to provide custody and settlement for digital assets, while granting Stripe the ability to operate under a single, uniform framework across the United States. For merchants and institutional clients, this could mean greater confidence in using Stripe’s infrastructure for digital asset transactions.
Regulatory backdrop
The move comes at a time when U.S. lawmakers are finalizing legislation aimed at establishing a formal regulatory structure for stablecoins. Draft bills moving through Congress propose that stablecoin issuers and intermediaries must hold federal banking charters or equivalent authorization. Stripe’s decision to pursue a trust charter suggests the company is preparing for these upcoming requirements rather than waiting to react once new laws take effect.
Bridge co-founder Jess Turner confirmed the company’s intent to apply, noting that stablecoin markets will require strong federal oversight to grow sustainably. The announcement follows Stripe’s recent rollout of new products tied to stablecoin payments, further underscoring its ambitions to become a dominant player in the digital asset ecosystem. By aligning ahead with regulators, Stripe could position itself as the compliance-ready partner of choice for businesses looking to integrate stablecoin payments.
Industry implications
Industry analysts suggest Stripe’s pursuit of a national trust charter may put competitive pressure on other major payment providers and fintech firms. While crypto-native companies such as Anchorage and Paxos have already secured trust charters, Stripe would be among the largest global payment platforms to take this regulatory step. That scale could accelerate institutional adoption of stablecoins and push the broader industry toward higher compliance standards.
For Stripe, a trust charter could unlock the ability to offer dollar-backed stablecoin services at scale and integrate them directly into its existing merchant payment rails. This would give the company a strategic advantage as stablecoins gain traction as a quicker and cheaper alternative to traditional cross-border settlement methods. The move could also enhance Stripe’s credibility with U.S. regulators, policymakers, and corporate clients, many of whom have expressed concerns about the risks of unregulated stablecoin operators.
The formal filing with the OCC has not yet been submitted, and the approval process could extend over several months. If granted, the charter would represent a milestone in Stripe’s evolution from a payments processor into a regulated digital asset service provider. It would also mark a key moment in the ongoing convergence of mainstream finance and blockchain technology.
As regulatory clarity around stablecoins emerges, Stripe’s proactive pursuit of a national trust charter underscores its bet that compliance will be central to the future of digital payments. The decision could position Stripe not only as a payment giant, but also as a pioneer in shaping the stablecoin market for businesses, merchants, and consumers worldwide.
