XRP: Ripple Builds Stablecoin Network as It Pursues Bank License

XRP takes a major step forward in the crypto world as Ripple announces a fresh strategic partnership with London-based fintech company OpenPayd. This collaboration aims to improve the cross-border payments infrastructure with the support of Ripple’s U.S. dollar stablecoin, RLUSD, amid Ripple’s pursuit of a federal bank charter.

In a move that could significantly broaden Ripple’s operational scope, the company has applied for a national bank license from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). This application, if approved, would enable Ripple to offer crypto-centric financial services across the country under a unified federal framework, rather than navigating a patchwork of state regulations.

At the core of Ripple’s new collaboration with OpenPayd is the enhancement of infrastructure to support RLUSD, Ripple’s dollar-backed stablecoin. OpenPayd’s role includes enabling direct minting and redemption (burning) of RLUSD, creating a streamlined experience for enterprises that require fast and compliant access to U.S. dollar liquidity.

The integration of RLUSD through OpenPayd stands to simplify common challenges in areas like treasury management and global settlements. The partnership aims to bridge traditional financial systems with digital asset infrastructure, creating a more efficient environment for moving capital across borders.

Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President overseeing stablecoins, emphasized the importance of such partnerships in the evolving financial landscape. According to McDonald, “The future of global finance depends on seamless interoperability between traditional infrastructure and digital assets.” He highlighted that this collaboration gives enterprises dependable access to RLUSD, delivering both regulatory confidence and the digital integration modern businesses demand.

Ripple Payments, one of the company’s core solutions, is already handling over $70 billion in annual payment volumes across more than 90 global markets. Adding enterprise-ready stablecoin capabilities via OpenPayd allows Ripple to scale its suite of services in new ways, especially in helping businesses unlock trapped capital and improve cash flow efficiency.

This partnership announcement follows swiftly on the heels of another major development: Ripple recently dropped its cross-appeal against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, effectively concluding a prolonged legal battle. With this chapter closing, Ripple is clearly focusing on expanding its compliance-first product offerings and integrating more deeply into regulated financial ecosystems.

This sequence of moves — resolving regulatory issues, seeking a bank license, and building scalable stablecoin infrastructure — not only enhances Ripple’s stature but also reflects a more mature direction for the XRP ecosystem. It’s a strong signal to institutional investors and global enterprises that Ripple is serious about becoming a foundational player in the regulated crypto-financial sector.

Related: Expert Advice: Sell XRP If You’re Confused

As the digital asset space evolves, initiatives like RLUSD and enterprise-forward strategies through Ripple Payments offer a template for how cryptocurrencies like XRP can work in tandem with trusted infrastructure to modernize global finance.