Fidelity Digital Assets Gets NY Trust Charter to Custody Bitcoin for Institutions

The New York Department of Financial Services has granted Fidelity Digital Assets Services (FDAS) a charter to operate as a limited liability trust company to custody digital currencies and execute crypto trading.

AccessTimeIconNov 19, 2019 at 5:25 p.m. UTC
Updated May 9, 2023 at 3:04 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Fidelity Digital Asset Services has obtained a trust company charter from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), allowing the Fidelity Investments unit to custody bitcoin for institutional investors in the financial capital of the U.S.

FDAS joins 22 other companies that have been approved for a charter or license by the regulator to engage in virtual currency business activities, NYDFS said. 

  • 80% of Meme Coin Performance Occurs During Asia Trading Hours: 10x Research Founder
    00:55
    80% of Meme Coin Performance Occurs During Asia Trading Hours: 10x Research Founder
  • Standard Chartered Bullish on Bitcoin; SOL Crosses $200 Amid Meme Coin Frenzy
    02:16
    Standard Chartered Bullish on Bitcoin; SOL Crosses $200 Amid Meme Coin Frenzy
  • What's Driving the Rally in Reddit Community Token MOON?
    01:06
    What's Driving the Rally in Reddit Community Token MOON?
  • Tokenization and Stablecoins Continue to Be TradFi's Top Interest in Crypto: Expert
    00:53
    Tokenization and Stablecoins Continue to Be TradFi's Top Interest in Crypto: Expert
  • “The custody and trade execution services that we provide are essential building blocks for institutional investors’ continued adoption of digital assets,” Michael O’Reilly, Chief Operating Officer for Fidelity Digital Assets, said in a press release. “The designation as a New York Trust Company under the supervision and examination of the DFS builds on the credibility and trust we’re establishing amongst institutions” 


    The news comes as Galaxy Digital Holdings announced that it was choosing Fidelity and Intercontinental Exchange's Bakkt (which also has an NYDFS trust license) to store the bitcoin for its two new funds. A few months ago, Fidelity went on a hiring spree for experts in blockchain and trading.

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.