XRP News Today: Ripple Seeks U.S. Banking License to Reshape Financial Reach

Ripple, a prominent blockchain-based payments company, has taken a significant step towards regulatory clarity by formally applying for a U.S. banking license through the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). This move is seen as a pivotal moment for Ripple, as it aims to elevate its regulatory standing and reshape its operational reach within the financial system.

The application, announced by Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, has been met with excitement by the XRP community, who view it as a defining moment in the company’s evolution. The XRP Army sees this as further evidence that XRP can become a globally utilized digital asset and power a new financial system. This move positions Ripple to operate alongside traditional banks under federal supervision, following the OCC's recent approval for banks to engage with cryptocurrencies. The potential to interact directly with a federally licensed “XRP Bank” in the United States is both validating and energizing for longtime followers.

Community members have emphasized that Ripple’s growth is becoming more visible, with the banking license application serving as evidence that the company is building something far more substantial. The prospect of someday using an XRP bank in the U.S. is seen as a reality that could be achieved if the license is approved.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse reaffirmed the company’s commitment to regulatory alignment and infrastructure integrity in his public statement following the banking license announcement. He emphasized that applying for a national bank charter from the OCC reflects Ripple’s long-standing approach to compliance. If approved, Ripple would be under both federal and state oversight, a regulatory structure that few others in the stablecoin space can claim.

Garlinghouse also revealed that Ripple, through its affiliate Standard Custody, has applied for a Federal Reserve master account. This step would allow Ripple to hold RLUSD reserves directly with the Fed, offering a heightened level of security and transparency. The CEO highlighted RLUSD’s design to meet the expectations of a $250 billion market by prioritizing regulation and operational resilience from the outset. Ripple is becoming a trusted institutional partner, putting XRP and RLUSD at the forefront of a major financial shift.