Mercury Technologies Inc., a digital banking firm, has applied for a national bank charter, marking its intent to operate as a fully chartered bank. By obtaining this charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, along with deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., Mercury can offer banking services directly, eliminating the need to partner with other institutions. The move comes amid a trend where several fintech companies are seeking national bank charters, driven by a more lenient regulatory environment established during the Trump administration. Founded eight years ago, Mercury aims to expand its capabilities and enhance its service offerings by becoming a chartered bank, which could provide it with a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving financial technology sector.