Ripple Seeks National Banking License for RLUSD Stablecoin

Ripple has taken a significant step towards enhancing its stablecoin and crypto services by submitting an application for a national banking license with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). This strategic move aims to position Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin within a dual regulatory framework, combining both state and federal supervision to boost market trust and operational transparency. According to CEO Brad Garlinghouse, this approach will establish a “new benchmark for trust” in the stablecoin sector, reflecting Ripple’s commitment to compliance and innovation.

By seeking federal oversight, Ripple aims to elevate its RLUSD stablecoin beyond state-level regulation. This dual regulatory approach is designed to provide enhanced transparency and security for users and institutional partners alike. Federal supervision would enable Ripple to manage reserves more efficiently and offer custodial services within a robust compliance framework, potentially setting a precedent for other crypto firms. The application also includes plans for Ripple’s subsidiary, Standard Custody & Trust Company, to obtain a Federal Reserve master account. This would allow Ripple to hold RLUSD reserves directly with the central bank, reducing dependence on commercial banking institutions and streamlining stablecoin liquidity management.

Ripple’s strategy to operate RLUSD under both state and federal jurisdictions reflects a broader industry trend toward increased regulatory clarity. The timing of Ripple’s application coincides with similar moves by other major players, such as Circle, which recently filed for a national banking charter to secure federal custodial control over its USDC stablecoin reserves. This wave of applications is occurring amid a more favorable regulatory climate under the current U.S. administration, which has adopted a pro-crypto stance. The collapse of key crypto banking partners in recent years has underscored the need for federally chartered banking infrastructure to ensure operational resilience and regulatory compliance.

Currently, Anchorage Digital remains the sole digital asset firm with a national bank charter, granted in 2021 after rigorous compliance efforts. Ripple’s entry into this space signals a growing acceptance of federally chartered crypto banks as essential infrastructure for the sector’s maturation. Other firms like BitGo and Paxos are also preparing similar applications, indicating a broader industry shift toward federal integration. Ripple’s pursuit of a national charter not only enhances its competitive positioning but also contributes to the establishment of standardized regulatory practices for stablecoins and crypto services.

Ripple’s national banking license application represents a pivotal step in bridging traditional finance and the crypto ecosystem. By seeking dual oversight for its RLUSD stablecoin and aiming for Federal Reserve access, Ripple is positioning itself at the forefront of regulatory compliance and innovation. This move could catalyze broader adoption of federally regulated stablecoins, fostering greater trust and stability in the digital asset market. As the regulatory environment continues to evolve, Ripple’s proactive approach may serve as a model for other crypto firms striving for long-term sustainability and institutional credibility.