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ARTICLE · 11 SEPTEMBER 2026

Applying For A National Trust Charter: Key Requirements From The OCC

Duane Morris LLP
Duane Morris LLP
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Interest in national trust bank charters has surged in recent years as companies seek to offer fiduciary, custody, and related trust services under federal supervision. This comprehensive guide examines the OCC's application process, capital requirements, and key regulatory considerations for institutions pursuing a national trust charter, from prefiling consultations through final approval and opening.

United StatesFinance and Banking
Joseph E. Silvia
Joseph E. Silvia
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This blog post provides an overview of the basic requirements and key considerations for institutions applying for a national trust charter with the OCC.

Interest in national trust bank charters has surged in recent years, with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) processing a number of charter applications from companies seeking to offer fiduciary, custody, and related trust services under a federal charter framework. From payroll-focused trust banks to digital asset custodians, the national trust charter has become an increasingly attractive option for institutions that want to operate under federal supervision without necessarily obtaining FDIC deposit insurance.

What Is a National Trust Bank?

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Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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