Crypto firms accelerate U.S. banking push amid regulatory optimism

Cryptocurrency companies are accelerating efforts to enter the U.S. banking sector, taking advantage of a more favorable regulatory environment under President Donald Trump, according to the Financial Times. Ripple, Circle and BitGo have applied for national trust bank charters, which would allow them to offer asset custody and payment services without obtaining licenses from individual states. Kraken Exchange plans to launch debit and credit cards by the end of the month, while Robinhood is preparing to introduce banking services this fall. The report highlights a broader shift as crypto firms expand beyond digital asset offerings, fintechs leverage crypto to grow their U.S. presence and major banks such as Bank of America prepare to issue stablecoins once regulations are finalized. U.S. lawmakers are expected to vote this week on key crypto-related bills, including the GENIUS Act on stablecoin regulation, the CLARITY Act on market structure and a proposal to ban a central bank digital currency (CBDC).