XRP and Ripple are once again in the spotlight as the U.S. crypto banking landscape evolves, following the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)’s decision to lift its compliance order against Anchorage Digital. This development marks a significant shift in regulatory tone and reopens opportunities for digital asset companies seeking national charters.

Anchorage Digital Clears Regulatory Hurdle

Anchorage Digital, known for being the first crypto-native platform to receive a U.S. national banking charter, is now officially free from the enforcement order previously imposed by the OCC in 2022. The order required the company to strengthen its compliance framework to prevent money laundering and related risks. This week, the OCC announced the cessation of that order, signaling confidence in Anchorage’s updated governance and procedures.

“The OCC believes that the safety and soundness of the bank and its compliance with laws and regulations does not require the continued existence of the order,” the agency noted in its official release.

Industry Leaders Welcome the Decision

In response to the news, Anchorage Digital’s CEO Nathan McCauley expressed optimism, calling the regulatory correction a form of constructive guidance. “We received — and have now resolved — feedback from regulators as we set the standard for federally chartered custody of digital assets,” he said in a post on the company’s blog. McCauley described Anchorage as “the world’s most regulated digital asset bank,” underlining its compliance-first approach amid evolving federal oversight.

A Favorable Political Environment Boosts Crypto Banks

The regulatory backdrop for crypto banks has become more supportive during President Donald Trump’s current term. Under the leadership of newly sworn-in OCC chief Jonathan Gould—a former Bitfury executive and OCC veteran—the agency is showing increased openness toward digital asset institutions.

Gould’s dual experience in government and the crypto sector is seen as a bridge between innovation and risk management, which analysts consider crucial for driving future policy coherence. The lifting of Anchorage’s order is acknowledged as an early sign of this new regulatory stance.

Ripple and XRP Back in the Charter Race

With Anchorage revalidated and the OCC appearing more crypto-friendly, digital asset players such as Ripple and Circle are once again pursuing formal banking status. Ripple, the blockchain company closely associated with the XRP token, recently joined a fresh wave of applications to begin the process for receiving a national trust bank charter. The company had paused these efforts during the Biden era, when regulators took a more cautious approach to the sector.

According to a CoinDesk report, Paxos, Circle, and Ripple have all initiated steps toward gaining OCC approval—a development tethered to growing institutional interest in stablecoins and cross-border payments.

Anchorage Digital emerges from OCC scrutiny, signaling stronger regulatory support for crypto banks.

Looking Ahead: Ripple’s Strategic Advantage

Ripple’s renewed pursuit of a charter comes at a pivotal moment. As the issuer of XRP, Ripple stands to benefit tremendously from direct federal supervision, especially in providing cross-border transaction services to institutional clients. The chance to operate under the OCC’s national bank framework gives Ripple an added layer of credibility and stability in a market often turbulent with regulatory uncertainty.

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While challenges still exist, early signs indicate that Ripple and other compliant-focused institutions may once again have a path forward in Washington. The end of Anchorage’s enforcement status will likely set a precedent, encouraging competitors to continue building within the bounds of U.S. law.