U.S. OCC says crypto firms should have path to bank charters

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said companies using new technologies such as cryptocurrency should also have a path to obtaining a federal bank charter. OCC Chairman Jonathan Gould said the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s recent move to improve its deposit insurance application review process was in line with the OCC's efforts to encourage new banks to enter the market. Gould added legitimate businesses should be able to become national banks even if they deal with digital assets or new technologies.