US-based publicly traded crypto exchange Coinbase confirmed that it is considering applying for a US federal bank charter.
In a statement sent to Cointelegraph, Coinbase said it is considering pursuing a US federal bank charter, according to a company spokesperson.
“This is something Coinbase is actively considering but has not made any formal decisions yet,” the spokesperson told Cointelegraph.
Coinbase in-office photo. Source: Coinbase
The comments follow recent reports suggesting that Coinbase and multiple other major crypto firms were planning to apply for US banking licenses. Coinbase, stablecoin issuers Circle and Paxos, and crypto custodian BitGo were the other firms mentioned.
Coinbase did not clarify to Cointelegraph why it is considering pursuing a bank charter. Still, a license could potentially allow crypto firms to operate like traditional lenders, taking deposits and making loans. Cointelegraph also reached out to the other firms reportedly considering