Coinbase has taken a significant step towards integrating cryptocurrency with traditional finance by applying for a National Trust Company Charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). This move aligns with other major crypto firms seeking similar licenses to bolster legitimacy and expand services within a clearer regulatory framework. The application signals an ongoing effort to bridge the gap between crypto markets and conventional financial systems, potentially shaping future crypto regulation and market stability. This push to acquire a Trust Company Charter is part of a broader trend in the U.S., as other large crypto companies like Circle and Ripple are pursuing the same licenses.