Ripple’s growing push toward regulatory clarity has taken a decisive turn. The blockchain-based payments company has formally applied for a U.S. banking license through the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), marking a move that could reshape its operational reach within the financial system.

The application, first reported by The Wall Street Journal and shared on X by Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, was greeted with excitement by the XRP Army as it signals Ripple’s intent to elevate its regulatory standing.
 

XRP Army Reacts

The XRP community has responded with enthusiasm to Ripple’s decision to seek a U.S. banking license, viewing it as a defining moment in the company’s evolution. Many supporters see this as further evidence that XRP can become a globally utilized digital asset and power a new financial system.

This move positions Ripple to operate alongside traditional banks under federal supervision and comes shortly after the OCC gave banks the green light to engage with cryptocurrencies. For longtime followers, the potential to one day interact directly with a federally licensed “XRP Bank” in the United States is both validating and energizing.

One community member emphasizedthat Ripple’s growth is becoming more visible, and this banking license application is evidence that the company is building something far more substantial. Another highlighted the prospect of someday using an XRP bank in the U.S., and this license could make that a reality if approved.

Ripple CEO Weighs In

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse weighed in on X, reaffirming the company’s commitment to regulatory alignment and infrastructure integrity in his public statement following the banking license announcement. He emphasized that applying for a national bank charter from the OCC reflects Ripple’s long-standing approach to compliance, and if approved, would position Ripple under both federal and state oversight, a regulatory structure that few others in the stablecoin space can claim.

Garlinghouse also revealed that Ripple, through its affiliate Standard Custody, has applied for a Federal Reserve master account. This step would allow Ripple to hold RLUSD reserves directly with the Fed, offering a heightened level of security and transparency.

The CEO highlighted RLUSD’s design to meet the expectations of a $250 billion market by prioritizing regulation and operational resilience from the outset. Ripple is becoming a trusted institutional partner. This puts XRP and RLUSD at the forefront of a major financial shift.