Ripple Gains Federal Approval to Expand Into Regulated U.S. Banking

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has granted final approval to Ripple National Trust Bank, clearing the way for Ripple to expand its federally regulated financial operations.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse disclosed the approval on X late Monday. The company, known for its blockchain-based cross-border payment and tokenization services, filed its bank charter application in July 2025. The OCC issued conditional approval in December 2025 before granting final authorization in late October 2026.

Garlinghouse has argued that cryptocurrency firms and traditional banks can achieve more by working together. Ripple has spent more than a decade developing regulated financial infrastructure, and the new charter strengthens its ability to provide services to institutional clients.

According to Garlinghouse, the approval supports Ripple’s plans for RLUSD and its broader offerings in payments, custody, and capital markets.

RNTB to Manage RLUSD Reserves and Institutional Custody

Ripple National Trust Bank will oversee reserves backing RLUSD, act as a trustee, and provide regulated digital asset custody services to institutions. These services are intended to support activities such as payments, trading, and corporate treasury management.

The approval does not change RLUSD’s issuer. The stablecoin will continue to be issued by Standard Custody & Trust Company, Ripple’s New York-regulated subsidiary. Instead, the national trust bank introduces federal oversight alongside the existing state-level regulatory framework.

RLUSD launched in December 2024 and has grown to a reported market capitalization of approximately $2.5 billion, putting it among the 50 largest stablecoins. The token is used within Ripple’s payment network and accepted as collateral on Ripple Prime.

Its reserves consist of U.S. dollar deposits, government securities, and other cash-equivalent assets. BNY holds the majority of those reserves. XRP, meanwhile, remains a key asset in Ripple’s ecosystem and is used for cross-border transactions.

Approval Comes as U.S. Stablecoin Rules Evolve

Ripple said it will continue engaging with the OCC, New York regulators, and other authorities as RNTB moves toward commencing operations.

The decision arrives as the United States advances its stablecoin regulatory framework under the GENIUS Act, which introduces requirements for issuers and reserve management.

With final approval secured, Ripple can continue developing its regulated banking infrastructure while expanding services for institutional customers. The charter could strengthen its position in stablecoin oversight, digital asset custody, and blockchain-based financial services as the relationship between crypto companies and traditional banks continues to evolve.