Antoni Trenchev, the visionary co-founder of Nexo, has pulled off a comeback that few thought possible. After two years of intense work behind the scenes, Trenchev announced that Nexo has successfully re-entered the U.S. market by securing a strategic stake in Hulett Bancorp, the holding company of Summit National Bank.
Calling the achievement a “herculean effort,” Antoni Trenchev emphasized that this moment signals a bold new chapter not just for Nexo, but for crypto banking in America. “America is back on the table for us,” Trenchev declared, signaling the company’s renewed ambitions on U.S. soil.
Antoni Trenchev’s Two-Year Battle for the American Market
Nexo’s U.S. return is the result of a relentless two-year campaign led by Antoni Trenchev. After facing regulatory penalties in early 2023, including a $45 million settlement over alleged unregistered products, Nexo took a step back from U.S. operations.
But Trenchev never abandoned the dream. Instead of retreating, he focused on creating a fully compliant model, blending traditional banking with crypto innovation.
The acquisition of Summit National Bank now allows Nexo to offer U.S. customers a suite of services, including:
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Bank accounts
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Asset-backed crypto loans
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Crypto debit card programs
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Secure custodial solutions
According to him, this hybrid approach will be the future of digital finance.
Antoni Trenchev Turns Crisis Into Opportunity
At a time when other crypto firms were leaving the U.S. or scaling down due to regulatory pressure, Antoni took the opposite route. He turned a major crisis into an opportunity to build something bigger.
Beyond U.S. regulators, Nexo also faced political scrutiny in Bulgaria, where prosecutors launched an investigation in 2023. In a major victory, authorities closed the case in 2024 without finding any evidence of wrongdoing.
Trenchev even hinted at suing the Bulgarian government for $1 billion in damages — a bold move that further cemented his reputation for resilience.
Why Antoni Trenchev Believes This Move Will Change Crypto Banking
According to Antoni Trenchev, the combination of a federally regulated bank and digital assets is a “game-changer” for the entire crypto industry.
He believes that the U.S. market is ripe for a new model — one where customers don’t have to choose between traditional finance and crypto freedom.
By offering insured bank accounts alongside crypto services, Antoni aims to build trust with mainstream customers who have been hesitant to enter the digital asset space.
“This is not just a return,” Trenchev said. “This is a blueprint for the future of finance.”
What’s Next for Nexo?
Looking forward, Antoni Trenchev hinted that Nexo’s next steps could involve expanding its product lineup even further. Potential future offerings include:
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High-yield crypto savings accounts
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Business loans secured by crypto
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Expanded card programs that work across fiat and crypto platforms
One thing is clear: under Trenchev’s leadership, Nexo is not just aiming to survive — it’s aiming to dominate.
Conclusion
In a world where many crypto companies are playing defense, Trenchev is going on offense.
By securing a federally regulated bank as a partner, navigating legal storms, and doubling down on compliance, he has positioned Nexo for long-term success in the world’s biggest financial market.
And if history is any guide, when Antoni Trenchev bets big, he usually wins.
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FAQs
1. Who is Antoni Trenchev?
Antoni Trenchev is the co-founder of Nexo, a major crypto lending platform. He has been instrumental in expanding Nexo’s global footprint and recently led the company’s re-entry into the U.S. market.
2. What did he announce recently?
Trenchev announced that Nexo has successfully re-entered the U.S. market by acquiring a stake in Hulett Bancorp, the parent company of Summit National Bank.
3. Why did Nexo leave the U.S. market before?
Nexo faced regulatory challenges related to unregistered lending products and agreed to pay $45 million in penalties to U.S. regulators in early 2023.
4. What does Nexo’s new acquisition allow them to do in the U.S.?
With this acquisition, Nexo can now offer U.S. customers bank accounts, asset-backed loans, debit cards, and crypto custodial services through Summit National Bank.
5. How long did it take Antoni Trenchev and Nexo to finalize the deal?
According to Antoni Trenchev, it took about two years of intense effort to finalize the acquisition and clear regulatory hurdles for re-entry into the U.S. market.
Glossary
Crypto Lending Platform
A service that allows users to lend their crypto assets in exchange for interest or to borrow against their crypto holdings.
Asset-Backed Loantj
A loan that is secured by collateral, such as cryptocurrencies, meaning the lender can claim the asset if the borrower defaults.
Custodial Services
Services where a trusted third party securely stores and manages digital assets on behalf of the user.
Regulatory Compliance
The act of adhering to laws, regulations, and guidelines set by governing bodies to operate legally in a market.
Summit National Bank
A U.S. federally chartered bank now partly owned by Nexo through Hulett Bancorp, enabling Nexo’s expanded services in America.
Sources
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Bitcoin.com — Nexo Re-Enters US Market, ‘America Is Back,’ Says Co-Founder Antoni Trenchev
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Bitcoin Insider — Exclusive: Nexo’s Trenchev Says It Took Two Years to Finalize US Bank Stake
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The Block — Bulgaria Ends Investigation Into Crypto Lender Nexo
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CryptoPotato — Nexo Mulls Suing Bulgaria for $1 Billion, Says Co-Founder Antoni Trenchev