XRP News Today: Ripple Files for National Bank Charter and Fed Master Account, XRP Surges 3.6%

Ripple has recently filed for a U.S. national bank charter and a Fed Master account, marking a significant advancement in the integration of crypto assets with traditional financial systems. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the custody and settlement efficiency for Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, signaling increased regulatory compliance and institutional readiness.

Ripple’s submission of a national bank charter application to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) represents a significant step toward bridging the gap between decentralized finance and traditional banking. By seeking federal oversight alongside existing state regulation through the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), Ripple aims to operate within a robust regulatory framework. This dual regulatory approach is designed to foster greater institutional confidence and compliance, positioning Ripple as a leader among crypto-native firms pursuing mainstream financial legitimacy.

In parallel with the bank charter, Ripple’s pursuit of a Fed Master account via Standard Custody will grant direct access to the Federal Reserve’s payment network. This access is critical for the RLUSD stablecoin, allowing Ripple to custody reserves directly with the Fed, thereby reducing reliance on intermediary banks. The move is expected to streamline settlement processes, lower transaction costs, and improve transparency. Industry experts highlight this as a forward-thinking initiative that could set a precedent for stablecoin operations within regulated financial infrastructures.

Since its launch in October 2024, RLUSD has steadily grown to a market capitalization of approximately $470 million. While still trailing major stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC), RLUSD’s unique positioning as a federally backed stablecoin underpins Ripple’s broader strategy to capture institutional market share. CEO Brad Garlinghouse has articulated that RLUSD’s integration with federal systems will enhance its appeal to institutional investors seeking regulated and secure digital asset solutions.

The announcement of Ripple’s bank charter and Fed Master account filings triggered a notable positive response in the market. XRP’s price surged past $2.20, reaching highs of $2.28 shortly after the news broke. This price movement underscores renewed investor optimism regarding Ripple’s regulatory roadmap and its potential to solidify XRP’s utility within compliant financial ecosystems. Crypto analyst Doctor Profit described this development as a “milestone event” that could redefine Ripple’s trajectory in the evolving digital asset landscape.

Ripple’s dual application for a national bank charter and Fed Master account marks a transformative moment in the intersection of cryptocurrency and traditional finance. By securing federal oversight and direct access to the Fed’s payment network, Ripple is poised to enhance the operational integrity and regulatory compliance of its RLUSD stablecoin. This strategic positioning not only bolsters investor confidence, as reflected in XRP’s price surge, but also sets a new standard for crypto firms aspiring to institutional-grade financial integration. As Ripple advances through regulatory review, market participants should closely monitor its progress for insights into the future of regulated stablecoins and blockchain-based financial services.