Circle Seeks National Digital Currency Bank Charter to Bolster USDC and Digital Asset Custody

Circle Internet Group, the issuer behind the prominent dollar-pegged stablecoin USDC, has formally applied to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to establish a new entity: First National Digital Currency Bank. Submitted on June 30, this strategic move aims to bring Circle's stablecoin reserves under direct federal oversight and expand its digital asset custody services for institutional clients.

Currently, the majority of Circle's USDC reserves are managed by BlackRock, a setup that Circle identifies as less than ideal due to inherent risks and legal uncertainties for stablecoin users. By establishing its own national trust bank, Circle intends to fortify the USDC infrastructure, minimize third-party reliance, enhance internal controls, and boost transparency. This initiative is also designed to help Circle meet the evolving requirements outlined in the recently passed GENIUS Act, which aims to create a comprehensive federal framework for stablecoin regulation in the U.S.

Key Objectives for First National Digital Currency Bank

If approved, the First National Digital Currency Bank would:

• Directly Manage USDC Reserves: Oversee USDC reserves and tokenized treasuries, ensuring greater control and transparency over the backing assets.
• Offer On-Chain Payments: Facilitate on-chain payments under federal regulatory oversight.
• Provide Digital Asset Custody: Offer secure custody services for institutional clients, specifically focusing on tokenized assets like stocks and bonds on blockchain rails, rather than volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This aligns with a global trend of modernizing traditional markets through blockchain integration.
• Enhance Legal Compliance: Ensure adherence to emerging U.S. regulations for dollar-denominated payment stablecoins, contributing to a transparent, efficient, and accessible internet financial system.

OCC Application Under Review

The OCC has not yet granted approval for Circle’s national trust bank charter. The application process typically involves a 30-day public comment period, followed by a comprehensive review that generally spans 120 days. During this period, the OCC will meticulously examine Circle's documentation, business summary, compliance frameworks, adherence to global standards, and the detailed outline of services it plans to provide.

Bolstering Trust and Control for a $63 Billion Stablecoin

With over $63 billion in USDC circulation, Circle is a dominant force in the global digital asset landscape. This application signifies a pivotal step for the company to terminate its reliance on third-party oversight for its digital asset reserves. By bringing these critical functions in-house under federal supervision, Circle aims to minimize risks, enhance transparency, and ultimately strengthen trust in USDC as a cornerstone of the digital economy.

This move by Circle reflects a broader industry trend towards greater regulatory clarity and institutional adoption of digital assets.

July 2025, Cryptoniteuae