Stripe-owned stablecoin platform Bridge has taken a significant step forward in its bid to operate as a federally chartered national trust bank, receiving conditional approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
“This conditional approval marks a pivotal moment for Bridge and the broader stablecoin ecosystem,” said a Bridge spokesperson. “It positions us to offer a robust suite of digital asset services under the direct oversight of federal regulators, enhancing trust and security for our users.”
The Path to Federal Oversight
Bridge, which Stripe acquired in 2025 for $1.1 billion, has been working diligently to align its operations with stringent regulatory standards. The company’s compliance framework, which already meets the requirements of the GENIUS Act—a stablecoin bill signed into law in July 2025—has been a cornerstone of its strategy to secure the national trust bank charter.
“Our compliance framework not only positions Bridge to be GENIUS ready but also ensures that we can operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability,” the spokesperson added.
Implications for the Industry
The conditional approval of Bridge’s charter is part of a broader trend in the crypto industry, where several companies are seeking similar federal oversight. In December, the OCC conditionally approved applications from BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Paxos to convert their state-level trust companies into national trust banks. Circle and Ripple also received conditional approvals for their national trust bank charters.
However, the move has not been without controversy. The American Bankers Association (ABA) has urged the OCC to slow down the approval process, citing concerns about the clarity of rules under the GENIUS Act. In a letter to the OCC, the ABA stated, “ABA strongly encourages OCC to be patient, not measure its application decisioning progress against traditional timelines, and allow each charter applicant’s regulatory responsibilities to come fully into view before moving a charter application forward.“
Regulatory Landscape and Future Outlook
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, the approval of Bridge’s charter could have far-reaching implications for the stablecoin market. The GENIUS Act, which aims to provide a comprehensive framework for stablecoin regulation, is still being interpreted and implemented. This has led to a cautious approach from regulators and industry stakeholders alike.
“The conditional approval of Bridge’s charter is a clear signal that the OCC is committed to fostering innovation while maintaining regulatory oversight,” said a fintech analyst. “This could pave the way for more crypto companies to seek similar charters, further integrating digital assets into the traditional financial system.”
However, the industry remains on tenterhooks as US policymakers continue to debate the finer points of stablecoin regulation. The Senate is advancing bills to establish a comprehensive digital asset market structure framework, and the White House is actively engaging with representatives from both the crypto and banking sectors to address issues such as stablecoin yield and tokenized equities.
“While the path forward is still uncertain, the conditional approval of Bridge’s charter is a significant milestone,” concluded the analyst. “It sets a precedent for how the regulatory landscape might shape up in the coming years, potentially leading to a more integrated and regulated digital asset ecosystem.”
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