Laser Digital Seeks US Bank Charter Amid Evolving Regulatory Landscape

Laser Digital's Strategic Move

Laser Digital, the cryptocurrency division of Nomura, has submitted an application to the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for a national trust bank charter. This move aims to establish federally regulated crypto custody and spot trading services, as reported by the Financial Times.

Unified Federal Framework

By obtaining a national charter, Laser Digital seeks to streamline operations by bypassing the need for multiple state-level licenses, thus operating under a cohesive federal regulatory framework.

Regulatory Shifts

The application is part of a trend where crypto and fintech companies pursue integration with traditional banking systems. Notably, fourteen similar applications were filed in 2025, nearly equaling the total from the previous four years, indicating a more favorable regulatory climate under OCC leadership during the Trump administration.

Recent Developments

Other notable applicants include World Liberty Financial, associated with Trump, and fintech firm Revolut, which abandoned its US bank acquisition plans. Additionally, automotive giants Ford and GM recently received FDIC approval to launch their own banks. In a related move, Anduril co-founder Palmer Luckey secured OCC approval for a bank specializing in AI and digital assets.

Charter Process and Regulatory Climate

The charter process encompasses a four-month preliminary review, followed by an in-depth assessment of capital and operational readiness, potentially extending beyond a year. Under the Biden administration, more stringent review standards led several applicants to withdraw, but recent trends suggest a more accommodating stance from Trump-aligned regulators.

Market Context

Laser Digital's application coincides with the Senate's stalled Clarity Act and traditional banks' concerns over stablecoin yield provisions, which they argue could lead to deposit flight if token yields surpass bank rates.