Ripple’s National Trust Bank Gets Final U.S. Regulatory Authorization

Ripple has obtained final approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for Ripple National Trust Bank (RNTB), advancing the company’s plans to expand its regulated digital asset services.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced the decision on X late Monday. The company submitted its charter application in July 2025 and received conditional approval in December before securing final authorization in October 2026.

The approval marks a significant step in Ripple’s efforts to connect blockchain technology with traditional financial services. Garlinghouse said the development demonstrates that crypto firms and banks can operate alongside one another, adding that the charter will support Ripple’s institutional business across payments, custody, and capital markets.

Ripple National Trust Bank to Support RLUSD Operations

RNTB will oversee the reserves backing RLUSD, Ripple’s dollar-pegged stablecoin, and serve as a trustee for those assets. The bank will also provide regulated digital asset custody services to institutional customers using cryptocurrencies for payments, trading, and treasury activities.

However, RLUSD will continue to be issued by Standard Custody & Trust Company, Ripple’s New York-regulated subsidiary. The new bank introduces federal oversight into the stablecoin’s operating structure while maintaining the existing state-level regulatory framework.

RLUSD launched in December 2024 and has reportedly reached a market capitalization of about $2.5 billion, placing it among the 50 largest stablecoins. It supports Ripple’s payment network and is also used as collateral on Ripple Prime.

The stablecoin is backed by U.S. dollar deposits, government securities, and other cash-equivalent assets, with BNY holding most of its reserves. XRP remains part of Ripple’s wider ecosystem, particularly for cross-border payment activity.

Ripple Expands as U.S. Stablecoin Rules Take Shape

Ripple said it will continue working with the OCC, New York regulators, and other authorities as RNTB prepares to begin operations.

The decision comes as the United States advances stablecoin regulation under the GENIUS Act. The emerging framework is expected to establish standards for reserve management, compliance, and stablecoin operations.

Final approval gives Ripple a stronger regulatory base for its institutional offerings and could support further growth in digital asset custody, stablecoin infrastructure, and blockchain-based payment services. It also marks another step in the company’s effort to bring crypto-focused financial products closer to the traditional banking system.