XRP News Today: Ripple Seeks Federal Charter for Crypto Integration

Ripple's recent application for a national trust bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) marks a significant milestone for the company and the broader cryptocurrency industry. This move, if approved, would allow Ripple to integrate crypto-native financial services into the regulated mainstream, enhancing transparency, reducing costs, and accelerating transaction speeds.

One of the key benefits of this charter is the dual oversight it would provide. Currently, Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin is regulated at the state level by the New York Department of Financial Services. A federal OCC charter would add national oversight, creating a benchmark for trust in the stablecoin market. This dual regulatory framework would ensure that crypto issuers operate under the same rigorous standards as traditional financial institutions, fostering greater trust and legitimacy.

Another significant advantage is direct access to the Federal Reserve's payment rails. Ripple's subsidiary, Standard Custody & Trust Company, has applied for a Federal Reserve master account. If approved, this would enable Ripple to conduct 24/7 settlement, reserve custody, and issuance without relying on intermediaries, thereby reducing costs and friction in the payment process.

Ripple's application aligns with a broader trend in the crypto industry, where companies like Circle, BitGo, and Wise are also seeking charters. This shift towards regulated trust banks is further supported by legislative developments, such as the recent advancement of the GENIUS Act in the Senate, which mandates stablecoin issuer licensing. Ripple's proactive approach positions it at the forefront of this regulatory evolution.

With a federal charter, Ripple can bypass correspondent banks, significantly speeding up cross-border and institutional payments. This would not only reduce costs but also improve settlement times, making Ripple's services more attractive to institutional clients who prioritize compliance and efficiency. The enhanced transparency and direct Fed custody offered by the charter would make RLUSD more appealing to banks, fintechs, and enterprise partners.

Ripple's journey towards obtaining a U.S. federal charter is also seen as a way to build confidence after years of legal challenges with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A successful application would signal Ripple's maturity and resolve, reinforcing its legitimacy in the U.S. financial system. This development is expected to set a new standard for how digital assets transition from niche to mainstream, potentially paving the way for XRP to reach the psychological price of $10.

Market analysts have noted that XRP's price trend is bullish, with the cryptocurrency forming higher highs and higher lows. This pattern indicates increasing demand and strong bullish sentiment. Analyst Leandrocrypto observed that XRP is respecting its uptrend on both the 4-hour and daily charts, with every dip being bought up, suggesting that something significant might be in the works. This bullish trend, coupled with the potential approval of an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), could drive XRP's price towards the $10 mark.

Crypto pundit Vincent Van Code also highlighted the possibility of XRP reaching a price range of $30 to $50, citing Ripple's pursuit of a master account approval from the Fed and its target of capturing 20–30% of the $1 trillion cross-border payments market. The approval of an XRP Spot ETF could unlock $20–$50 billion in institutional inflows, further boosting XRP's price. Additionally, the global adoption of XRP for Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) bridges in over 50 countries adds to the bullish outlook for XRP.