Paxos initiates the procedure for the National Trust License: how the regulated blockchain change...

Paxos, a key global player in the regulated blockchain sector, has initiated the process to obtain the national trust license in the United States. This step, aimed at bringing Paxos under the direction of the OCC supervision (Office of the Comptroller of the Currency), marks a crucial moment aimed at strengthening legal security and transparency of activities on a global scale.

According to data collected by fintech industry analysts in 2023, access to the national trust license is considered a milestone for operators aiming for a federally regulated presence in the USA, given that only 12 trust companies have successfully completed this transition in the last 5 years.

New federal status: why the national trust license represents a breakthrough for Paxos

The goal of Paxos is to extend its regulatory scope, moving from the current license granted by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) to direct federal oversight through the OCC. This change will standardize operations across the United States. It should be noted that this will lead to an increase in regulatory compliance and the adoption of more stringent standards in the field of digital tokenization and in the issuance of regulated stablecoin in the USA.

Experts note that the migration towards a federal regime is functional to improving regulatory consistency on a national scale, a fundamental aspect for attracting foreign and international investments in digital finance.

From state regulation to OCC control: Paxos’s strategy

Since 2015, when it obtained authorization as a trust company in New York, up to the launch of the stablecoin Paxos Standard (PAX) in 2018 – the first example of a U.S. regulatory-compliant stablecoin – the company has made significant strides.

In 2021, it also received conditional approval from the OCC to establish a national trust bank, although the final license is still being finalized. In 2025, Paxos resubmitted the application to obtain full approval. This transition from the state to the federal level will allow the introduction of homogeneous standards for the digital handling of financial assets, thus supporting innovation and growth at an international level.

OCC Supervision: new guarantees of security and transparency

With the acquisition of the national trust license, Paxos will be subject to the close supervision of the OCC in terms of compliance, asset security, and operational risk management. This change represents a significant regulatory evolution: the principles of user protection, service reliability, and transparency will become essential elements for U.S. trust banks, positioning Paxos as a noteworthy case study in the international landscape.

Industry analysts highlight how OCC regulations require periodic audits and stringent capital requirements, with operational risk control that significantly reduces the possibility of fraud or malfunctions, increasing stakeholder confidence.

Competitive advantages and boost to regulated blockchain

Greater transparency in internal processes and operational procedures

Unified regulatory standards at the federal level

Strengthened credibility in the eyes of businesses and institutional investors

More uniform and reliable services for clients and commercial partners

Furthermore, federal supervision will facilitate cross-border cooperation with regulatory entities such as FIN-FSA (Estonia), MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore), and FSRA (Financial Services Regulatory Authority) of Abu Dhabi, thus creating a global ecosystem for regulated blockchain.

Protection of digital assets: how custody changes

The assets held by users will remain fully guaranteed through reserves in dollars, government securities, and liquidity. This approach ensures solid protection, even in the event of unforeseen events. Although already adopted under state supervision, the security model will be further strengthened with the acquisition of the federal trust license. The 1:1 coverage continues to be an essential basis for investor protection.

According to the 2025 report, Paxos currently maintains liquid reserves equal to 102% of the value of the issued stablecoins, thus ensuring an additional safety buffer.

Key questions about national trust license and OCC supervision

What does it mean to obtain a national trust license?

The national trust license allows a company to operate as a trust company across the entire United States, remaining subject to a unique federal regulatory regime. This represents an advancement over licenses granted by individual states and implies direct and uniform oversight by the OCC.

What is the added value of OCC supervision?

The OCC defines the national compliance and security standards. A company under its regulation stands out for transparency, operational solidity, and more sophisticated legal guarantees, essential elements in the contemporary fintech context.

How does federal supervision impact user trust?

The federal control helps to strengthen the perception of security, both for retail customers and institutional investors, thus accelerating the creation of a reliable ecosystem of regulated blockchain. Internationally, this further enhances the reputation of Paxos.

A 2023 study on institutional investors’ behavior highlights that 68% of respondents prefer to operate with entities regulated by the OCC, considered more reliable compared to those with only state licenses.

Compliance, innovation, and integrated development: the impact on the future of Paxos

The license will facilitate greater harmonization of compliance among different products, including digital assets, stablecoin, and tokenized instruments. In this context, Paxos will be able to innovate more rapidly, leveraging effective synergies between U.S. and other countries’ authorities, always keeping security and regulatory compliance at the forefront.

Tokenizzazione in crescita: global perspectives and benefits for the market

The digital tokenization of assets is confirmed as a pillar of financial evolution. Thanks to the national trust license and the supervision of the OCC, Paxos will have the opportunity to expand its range of regulated blockchain solutions in emerging markets, contributing to strengthening the United States as a reference fintech center.

Simplified access to decentralized financial services

Greater security and transparency guaranteed by OCC surveillance

Regulatory recognition at an international level for fundamental trust banking activities

Paxos is thus preparing to face the future challenges of digital finance, offering concrete opportunities to businesses, investors, and users. The national trust license is therefore configured as a key step for a more secure and connected regulated blockchain ecosystem.