Retail trading platform Interactive Brokers Group is the latest tech provider to apply for a banking license.

“On Dec. 18, 2025, Interactive Brokers filed for an [Office of the Comptroller of the Currency] Non-depository National Trust Bank Charter,” a spokesperson told FinAi News. The charter will operate under Interactive National Trust Bank.

Fintechs applying for banking licenses is a continuing trend. Mercury Technologies, for one, applied for a banking license Dec. 19. Other tech providers are acquiring banks as a streamlined path to charter. Fintechs including Enova, Smartbiz and SoFi took that route. 

Read more: Here’s why fintechs are acquiring banks 

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) on Dec. 12 announced conditional approvals for these national trust bank charter applications: 

• First National Digital Currency Bank; 

• Ripple National Trust Bank; 

• BitGo Bank & Trust, National Association; 

• Fidelity Digital Assets, National Association; and 

• Paxos Trust Company, National Association.  

Interactive Brokers’ AI efforts

The charter announcement follows Interactive Brokers’ third-quarter AI efforts, including the launch of Ask IBKR, an AI-powered tool that delivers portfolio insights via natural language-based technology, according to the company. 

Other AI tools at Interactive Brokers include: 

• Generative AI-driven client summarization; and 

• An AI solution for trading, account management and information finding.  

Register here for early-bird pricing for the inaugural FinAi Banking Summit, taking place March 2-3 in Denver. View the full event agenda here.