Fold Expands to All 50 US States After Bitgo Receives OCC Banking Charter

Fold has secured nationwide consumer bitcoin access in the United States through a single federally supervised trust framework, following a partnership tied to Bitgo Bank & Trust’s newly granted Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) charter.

Bitcoin Platform Fold Achieves Nationwide Reach

According to the company, bitcoin consumer access in the United States has historically been shaped by a state-by-state licensing system, often limiting availability in tightly regulated jurisdictions such as New York. That structure has made nationwide rollout difficult for consumer-facing bitcoin platforms.

On Dec. 18, Fold announced it can now operate across all 50 states through a federally supervised trust framework linked to Bitgo Bank & Trust, which recently received a national bank charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The charter allows Bitgo to provide trust and custody services under a single federal regulator rather than navigating separate state regimes.

Under this arrangement, Fold says it has become the first consumer-facing bitcoin platform to offer nationwide access using one federal trust structure. The shift replaces the fragmented licensing model that previously governed exchange and custody services for consumers, including in markets that had imposed strict requirements or outright limitations.

The federal charter places Bitgo Bank & Trust under OCC supervision, aligning its operations with established U.S. banking oversight standards. For Fold, the framework provides a compliant pathway to deliver bitcoin-related services without pursuing individual state licenses, a process that has long slowed expansion for digital asset companies.

Also read: Bitgo Adds Lightning Network Support to Custody Platform

Previously restricted states, including New York, are now included in Fold’s service map, the company explained on Thursday. The company said users in those jurisdictions can access bitcoin exchange and custody services as onboarding expands nationwide. Additional details on product availability are expected as the rollout continues.

The development follows a broader trend of digital asset firms seeking federal regulatory clarity as lawmakers and agencies refine oversight of crypto-related activities. While the OCC charter does not change underlying market risks, it establishes a uniform compliance structure that differs from the patchwork system that has defined U.S. bitcoin access for more than a decade.

Fold trades on the Nasdaq exchange and is listed under the ticker FLD, and since the announcement, it has gained 3% as of 11 a.m. EST on Thursday. However, the stock is down 34% over the last six months.

FAQ ❓

• What changed for Fold’s U.S. operations?

Fold can now operate nationwide under a single federally supervised trust framework instead of state-by-state licenses.

• Which regulator oversees the trust framework?

Bitgo Bank & Trust is supervised by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

• Does this include previously restricted states?

Yes, the framework includes markets such as New York that previously limited access.

• Are services available immediately in all states?

Fold said nationwide onboarding has begun, with further rollout details expected.