Nubank received conditional approval from the U.S. OCC

Approval from the US OCC

Nubank (NYSE: NU) , Latin America's largest digital bank by customer base ( ~114 million as of Q4 2025 ), has received conditional approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to establish a national bank in the United States.

Conditional approval is a crucial green light from regulators, allowing Nubank to operate as a full-service national bank in the United States — subject to final milestones and ongoing oversight — and marks one of the most ambitious cross-border expansions by a Latin American fintech company into the US market.

Nubank plans to start with a national banking model that operates solely online — with no physical branches — targeting U.S. residents ( initially focusing on Hispanic/Latin communities and underserved populations ) with products similar to its successful offerings in Brazil and Mexico: fee-free checking accounts, high-interest savings, credit cards, personal loans, and investments.

The true meaning of "Conditional Approval"

The OCC's conditional approval allows Nubank to undertake preparatory steps—such as fundraising, governance, legal compliance framework, and operational development—before receiving its official license. The bank must demonstrate robust risk management capabilities, AML/KYC controls , consumer protection policies, and IT resilience before it can accept deposits or operate on a large scale.

The United States represents the world's largest and most competitive retail banking market. For Nubank, success here would demonstrate its digital-first, low-cost operating model beyond Latin America and position the company as a global challenger. Access to a national license also allows for accepting deposits, processing payments, and lending nationwide without needing to apply for individual licenses in each state.

A shift in US perspective

The OCC's move reflects a subtle shift in U.S. banking policy. After years of caution regarding fintech licensing , regulators appear more willing to embrace digital banks—provided they adhere to traditional prudential standards. This decision also aligns with broader efforts to modernize financial infrastructure while maintaining consumer protections.

A licensed Nubank operating in the U.S. would create new competition in the consumer banking sector, particularly in low-fee current account services, digital credit, and mobile-first experiences. Traditional banks could face pressure on profitability, while other unlicensed fintech companies might view Nubank's move as a model—or a competitive threat.

Get old from us.

Conditional approval from the OCC for Nubank National Bank is one of the most significant cross-border fintech expansions in recent years. This positions Nubank to directly serve the massive Hispanic and immigrant American market with digital banking services, low-cost remittances, and potential future cryptocurrency services—all fully licensed under federal law.

This is not just a step into the US market—it's a bridge between the fintech revolution in Latin America and the world's largest financial market. If Nubank performs well, it could redefine cross-border banking in the Americas and create a robust platform for the integration of digital assets in the future.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is the author's personal opinion in the field of cryptocurrency. This is not financial or investment advice. All investment decisions should be based on careful consideration of your personal portfolio and risk tolerance. The views expressed in this article do not represent the official stance of the platform. We recommend that readers conduct their own research and consult with experts before making any investment decisions.

Compiled and analyzed by HCCVenture

Follow HCCVenture here: https://link3.to/holdcoincventure