Ripple Edges Closer to Obtaining National Bank Charter
Ripple, a leading crypto payments company, is on the cusp of a significant milestone that could redefine its role and XRP’s position in the global finance industry and the US banking sector. According to recent reports, the national banking charter, which Ripple applied for earlier this year, could be approved soon, potentially turning the company’s dream of establishing a US bank into a reality.
A market expert, known as ‘Steph is Crypto’, announced on X that Ripple’s long-awaited national bank license is “imminent”, implying an approval could be granted soon. This possibility has been described as bullish, and the analyst’s optimism has raised the expectations of crypto community members. Many have agreed that the potential approval could be bullish for XRP, and the news has sparked a wave of interest in the cryptocurrency.
Background on Ripple’s National Bank Application
Ripple Labs first revealed plans to establish a National Trust Bank in July 2025, when CEO Brad Garlinghouse confirmed that an application had been submitted to the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). If approved, the proposed bank will reportedly be headquartered in New York and operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Ripple. The OCC typically spends around 120 days reviewing a bank charter application, and based on Ripple’s submission timing, a decision was expected around October 2025. However, the process was delayed, and an official approval or rejection has been postponed until further notice.
At the time of writing, the OCC has not provided an official statement confirming the approval date of a Ripple banking license. Nevertheless, some members of the crypto community speculate that approval could be made by the end of this month, while others expect it within six months. The uncertainty surrounding the approval has not deterred Ripple, and the company remains committed to its goal of establishing a US bank.
Potential Implications of a National Bank Charter
If the OCC grants the license, Ripple would officially function as a national trust bank under direct federal oversight. This status would give the company the authority to offer custody and settlement services for both digital and traditional assets. Experts believe it could also allow the company to integrate the RLUSD stablecoin, potentially driving a significant rise in institutional use of XRP in US financial markets. The implications of a national bank charter would be far-reaching, and Ripple’s ability to operate as a traditional bank would likely have a significant impact on the cryptocurrency market.
Price struggles as sentiment falls | Source: XRPUSDT on Tradingview.com
New OCC Ruling Strengthens Ripple’s Bank Plans and XRP Utility
A recent ruling by the US OCC has cleared the last major barrier keeping traditional banks hesitant to get involved in cryptocurrencies. According to the OCC’s official report, the new ruling allows US banks to use digital assets and currencies in their operations and to engage in riskless principal crypto transactions. This new guidance comes at a perfect time for Ripple’s regulatory plans, as the company has positioned itself firmly within the compliance perimeter by applying for an OCC-regulated national bank license.
The ruling also makes it fully permissible for national banks to use XRP and RLUSD for settlement and payment activities. Although the OCC’s decision applies only to national banks, it represents a foundational step toward Ripple’s potential entry into the US banking system. The company’s ability to operate as a traditional bank, combined with the new OCC ruling, could have a significant impact on the adoption of XRP and other cryptocurrencies in the US financial markets.
Featured image created with Dall.E, chart from Tradingview.com
Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.
