A broader trend of fintechs and crypto firms moving toward traditional banking is gaining traction under the current administration, as regulators appear more open to nontraditional players entering the banking system.

The OCC has granted initial trust charters to five crypto firms—Circle, Paxos, Ripple, BitGo, and Fidelity Digital Assets—signaling expanded regulatory activity favoring crypto-friendly banking.

Industry observers note a surge in charter applications from fintechs, including Ripple and Circle, as the regulatory environment becomes more permissive for nontraditional entrants.

PayPal’s stock closed the last trading session around $60.74, with a year-to-date decline near 29% despite some positive pre-market activity.

Analysts present a mixed view: most targets imply upside into the high-$70s, but downgrades and concerns about Branded Checkout growth temper near-term optimism.

The report includes sourcing details and disclosures about the author and related relationships.

Key Q3 2025 fundamentals showed revenues of $8.4 billion, total payment volume of $458.1 billion, non-GAAP EPS of $1.34, 438 million active accounts, free cash flow of $1.7 billion, and a quarterly dividend of $0.14.

The PayPal bank charter could become a long-term growth and diversification lever, but its real impact hinges on regulatory clarity, execution, and sustained growth without elevated risk.

Upcoming catalysts include regulatory progress, details on savings and deposits products, and evidence of improved lending efficiency and momentum in branded checkout.

The PayPal Bank move awaits regulatory approvals, with timeline dependent on scrutiny and final sign-offs from authorities.

PayPal has applied to form PayPal Bank, a Utah-chartered industrial loan company, to expand small-business lending and offer federally insured savings.

PayPal Bank would seek direct membership in U.S. card networks to enhance processing and settlement through existing banking relationships, with Mara McNeill as president.