Telcoin Secures Nebraska Approval for Digital Asset Bank

Telcoin, a company focused on integrating telecommunications with blockchain technology, has received final approval from the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance to operate as a Digital Asset Bank. 

This development allows Telcoin to issue regulated stablecoins and connect traditional U.S. bank accounts to Decentralized Finance (DeFi) protocols. The approval, announced on November 12, 2025, marks a step in Telcoin's efforts to expand its services within the U.S. regulatory framework.

Telcoin's Origins and Operations

Telcoin operates as a platform that combines mobile telecommunications networks with blockchain-based financial services. Founded in July 2017 by Paul Neuner, who has over 20 years of experience in telecommunications and cybersecurity, and Claude Eguienta, the company started in Singapore as Telcoin Pte. Ltd. It later established its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. The core concept draws on Neuner's background in telecoms, aiming to leverage mobile networks for low-cost remittances and financial access in regions with limited banking infrastructure.

The company's mission is to provide financial products to mobile phone users worldwide, targeting the estimated 1.7 billion unbanked individuals. Telcoin partners with mobile network operators to distribute these services. Its ecosystem includes the Telcoin Wallet, a mobile application for storing, sending, and swapping digital assets on decentralized finance platforms. The wallet is available on both iOS and Android devices.

Telcoin's services extend to remittances, where users can transfer funds to electronic wallets in more than 20 countries with fees at 2% or less. Supported platforms include GCash, Maya, and GrabPay. The company also offers multi-currency stablecoins, such as eCFA for the African Franc, eGBP for the British Pound, and eMXN for the Mexican Peso, which facilitate on-chain payments and transfers.

The TEL token serves as the utility token within the ecosystem. It is used for staking, governance decisions, and covering transaction fees. Telcoin operates in 171 countries, with a focus on compliance and integrations with over 100 mobile network operators globally.

Details of the Nebraska Approval Announcement

On November 12, 2025, Telcoin posted on X about the final approval. According to the press release attached to the post, Telcoin Digital Asset Bank is the first U.S. Digital Asset Depository Institution under Nebraska's Financial Innovation Act, initiated by U.S. Congressman Mike Flood. The charter permits the issuance of eUSD, a bank-issued stablecoin backed by U.S. dollar deposits and short-term Treasuries. Described as "Digital Cash," eUSD supports payments, remittances, and savings.

Key features include linking U.S. bank accounts to on-chain stablecoins, providing access to decentralized finance, and offering compliant yield products and depository services, subject to additional approvals. The release notes that this setup addresses risks associated with unregulated stablecoins and helps smaller U.S. banks integrate blockchain technology without internal development.

Historical Milestones Leading to the Approval

Inception and Launch Phase (2017-2018)
Telcoin's development has progressed through several phases since its inception. In 2017 and 2018, the company launched with an initial coin offering and a white paper outlining incentives for mobile network operators to adopt its remittance system. The TEL token was introduced during this period to encourage network participation.

Expansion in Emerging Markets (2019-2021)
From 2019 to 2021, Telcoin expanded its partnerships in emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Africa. It introduced the Telcoin Wallet and began offering initial remittance services. By 2021, integrations with more than 100 mobile network operators were in place.

Shift to Regulatory Compliance and Stablecoin Development (2022-2024)
Between 2022 and 2024, the focus shifted to regulatory compliance and stablecoin development. Telcoin created options like eCAD for the Canadian Dollar and eAUD for the Australian Dollar. In 2021, the company raised $10 million in a Series A funding round to support expansion. Earlier in 2025, Telcoin secured $25 million in additional funding specifically to capitalize the Digital Asset Bank.

Alignment with Regulatory Framework and Charter Pursuit
This funding aligns with Nebraska's 2021 Financial Innovation Act, which created a framework for digital asset charters. Telcoin's pursuit of this charter involved years of preparation, including an earlier conditional approval in 2025.

Looking Ahead

Telcoin's roadmap for 2025 and 2026 includes launching the Alpha Mainnet, initiating full bank operations, rolling out eUSD, and integrating with more than 50 mobile network operators. These steps aim to increase adoption in emerging markets, potentially enhanced by technologies such as Starlink to expand telecom reach.

In the meantime, the Nebraska approval positions the platform to operate a regulated Digital Asset Bank, enabling stablecoin issuance and blockchain integrations with traditional banking. This development, built on years of regulatory preparation and partnerships, supports Telcoin's remittance and financial access services. It underscores the company's focus on compliance within the U.S. framework, while market responses indicate investor interest in these capabilities. 

As Telcoin proceeds with its roadmap, the emphasis remains on executing these technical and operational elements effectively.

Sources

• PR Announcement: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251112119122/en/Telcoin-Makes-U.S.-Banking-History-with-Approval-to-Launch-the-First-Regulated-Digital-Asset-Bank 
• Telcoin Funding: https://www.techcompanynews.com/telcoin-raises-25-million-in-pre-series-a-funding-round/ 
• Telcoin Latest Updates: https://www.telco.in/en/newsroom 
• TEL Price Surge: https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/1a388-tel-skyrockets-100-after-telcoin-secures-final-approval-for-first-blockchain-bank