ZeroHash, a Chicago-based company founded in 2017, has emerged as a key player in the financial technology landscape by providing regulated cryptocurrency and stablecoin infrastructure through APIs. The company enables banks, brokerages, and fintechs to integrate digital asset trading, custody, and payment solutions swiftly—often within weeks—without the need to develop their own technology stack. CEO Edward Woodford has characterized ZeroHash as the “AWS of on-chain infrastructure” for the financial sector.
The company operates under a solid regulatory framework, with a registered status as a Money Services Business with FinCEN and functioning as a money transmitter across all 51 U.S. jurisdictions. Moreover, it holds the coveted New York virtual currency authorization, allowing it to serve clients in this key state. In a significant move on March 4, 2026, ZeroHash filed for a national trust bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, marking it as the eleventh crypto firm to apply for such federal trust status within a short timeframe of 83 days.
ZeroHash has partnered with a prominent portfolio of clients within mainstream finance, which includes industry giants like Stripe, Interactive Brokers, Franklin Templeton, and BlackRock’s BUIDL initiative, among others. The firm reports over five million end users across more than 190 countries, facilitating crypto and stablecoin transactions through various partner platforms rather than through an independent application.
This distribution model proves essential—when a brokerage, for example, adds the Hedera-based cryptocurrency HBAR or facilitates payments in USDC, millions of users can access these offerings seamlessly. Significantly, Mastercard is also considering a strategic investment in ZeroHash, bolstering the company’s role as a vital link between traditional finance and on-chain solutions.
On May 28, 2026, ZeroHash took another step forward by joining the Open Transaction Layer (OTL), an initiative launched by Fireblocks in collaboration with over 30 institutions aimed at standardizing on-chain transaction processes. This coalition includes notable partners such as Checkout.com, MetaMask, and Robinhood, which collectively aim to streamline how counterparties manage on-chain transactions. Previously, the integration of counterparties necessitated tailored solutions for compliance and settlement, but OTL introduces shared standards that simplify the transaction lifecycle.
ZeroHash has made significant strides in integrating USDC on the Hedera network, enabling deposit and withdrawal functionalities from the outset. This stablecoin is designated as “USDC.HBAR,” reflecting its Hedera-native origin. The platform also offers custody services for the HBAR token, catering to institutional partners eager for direct exposure. This integration allows clients to leverage Hedera as an efficient settlement layer—USDC transactions settle in under three seconds for a minimal fee of $0.001, with the network capable of processing more than 10,000 transactions per second.
The convergence of three predominant factors sets the stage for extensive enterprise adoption of Hedera through ZeroHash. First, ZeroHash already has strong ties to leading institutions that Hedera aims to engage, including global brokerages and payment processors. Second, OTL’s framework facilitates coordinated flows between a wide array of distribution channels, enhancing accessibility for Hedera-based assets. Lastly, ZeroHash’s pursuit of an OCC trust charter could amplify its capacity to manage stablecoin custody under federal regulations.
Additionally, Hedera is experiencing its own institutional momentum, having welcomed notable organizations like FedEx and Repsol to its governance council. These partnerships promote supply chain solutions and decentralized identity innovations, further strengthening Hedera’s position in the market. As ZeroHash integrates Hedera-native USDC into the operations of significant financial entities, the network gains traction with mainstream users, creating a pathway to widespread adoption.
Looking ahead, the upcoming year will challenge ZeroHash to realize its ambitions concerning the OCC charter while extending multi-chain support. Achieving federal trust status would enhance asset custody capabilities in accordance with new regulatory frameworks. Likewise, the efficacy of the OTL in driving interoperability will soon come to fruition with its first transactions. This partnership positions ZeroHash to facilitate the transition from Hedera’s technological capabilities to practical institutional utilization, ensuring the company maintains its critical role in the evolving landscape of digital finance.
