XRP Surges as Ripple Seeks U.S. Bank Charter

XRP, the digital currency closely tied to Ripple, rose in value after the blockchain firm filed for a national bank trust charter with the U.S. government, marking a pivotal development in Ripple’s compliance and expansion strategy.

Ripple recently submitted an application to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for a nationwide banking license, according to a company representative. This move, confirmed on Wednesday, signals the company’s aim to operate under federal banking regulations — a significant step in its mission to provide financial services beyond state limitations.

If approved, the charter would allow Ripple to streamline and scale crypto-related services across the United States through a federally compliant framework. Already regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), Ripple issues RLUSD, a $440 million stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, and is deeply entrenched in the digital asset space through its crypto custody services tailored for institutional clients.

The decision to seek federal licensure reflects an industry-wide shift as more crypto-finance players look to align with upcoming nationwide regulations. The announcement by Circle, issuer of USDC, to pursue a similar trust bank status earlier this week reinforces the ongoing pivot of stablecoin companies towards federal oversight. These moves coincide with active developments in U.S. crypto legislation, particularly the stablecoin regulatory bill currently undergoing deliberation in the House of Representatives after passing through the Senate.

Ripple’s push for a federal charter mirrors the trajectory taken by Anchorage Digital, a crypto custodian that already holds a federal license, positioning Ripple among a growing number of firms that aim to reconcile innovation with regulation.

XRP, the native token of the XRP Ledger network, reacted positively to the announcement, climbing 3% in trading value. Market observers interpret Ripple’s regulatory overture as a confidence boost for institutional adoption and legal clarity, especially as the U.S. continues shaping the crypto market’s future rules.

For Ripple, whose identity has historically revolved around fast, cross-border payments utilizing crypto, acquiring a federal bank charter could unlock new avenues for secure custody, stablecoin issuance, and digital finance infrastructure within a nationally regulated environment. This step reduces the complexity of navigating multiple state-by-state regulations and positions Ripple to scale enterprise offerings more efficiently.

The implications also go beyond Ripple. The move could establish a precedent for how major blockchain firms operate in compliance with federal laws, especially as demand grows for transparent, regulated crypto services. Partner institutions, fintech companies, and users may ultimately benefit from the increased trust and security resulting from such oversight.

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

As regulatory momentum builds in Washington, and more companies align with federal bodies, Ripple’s charter application emphasizes the growing maturity and institutional orientation of the digital asset landscape. Whether this request is approved in the coming months may serve as a critical benchmark for assessing the adaptability of both crypto-native companies and U.S. regulatory bodies in a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.