Ripple’s recent move has set the financial world abuzz. The company’s application for a U.S. national banking charter has entered public review, sparking heated discussions about what this could mean for the future of blockchain-based payments.
With Ripple’s name now appearing in the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) registry under “Ripple National Trust Bank,” analysts say the implications could be monumental — not just for Ripple itself, but for XRP, the digital asset that powers its global payment ecosystem.
Ripple’s Banking Ambition Comes Into Focus
Ripple’s application to the OCC represents a strategic leap that would allow the company to operate as a federally regulated trust bank in the United States. Public records show that the “Ripple National Trust Bank” application has officially entered the OCC’s review phase, a process that involves comprehensive scrutiny by regulators, industry stakeholders, and the general public.
If approved, the trust charter would empower Ripple to hold digital and fiat assets in custody, offer payment settlement services to financial institutions, and operate directly under federal supervision — privileges currently reserved for regulated banking entities.
This would effectively position Ripple among the few blockchain firms with a national banking footprint, placing it alongside major fintechs that have secured OCC trust licenses in recent years.
REMINDER:
RIPPLE’S OCC BANKING LICENSE APPLICATION IS NOW PUBLIC — “RIPPLE NATIONAL TRUST BANK” ENTERS REVIEW PHASE.$XRP TO $10 IN NO TIME IF APPROVED! pic.twitter.com/zFhaLYULQl
— STEPH IS CRYPTO (@Steph_iscrypto) October 15, 2025
A Strategic Step Toward Financial Integration
For years, Ripple has been bridging the gap between blockchain technology and traditional finance. Its RippleNet network already connects hundreds of financial institutions worldwide, offering real-time settlement and liquidity solutions.
However, the banking charter represents the missing link that could bring Ripple’s operations under direct U.S. banking oversight, aligning them with the ISO 20022 global messaging standard and enhancing trust among institutional participants.
This approval could also strengthen Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin by enabling Ripple to manage stablecoin reserves and custody operations in-house. Such integration would allow seamless on- and off-ramping between fiat and digital assets, streamlining settlement across RippleNet and potentially boosting transactional demand for XRP.
Market Sentiment: XRP’s $10 Target Gains Traction
The development caught the attention of market analyst STEPH IS CRYPTO, who highlighted the OCC filing on X, calling it a “potential game-changer” for XRP. According to Steph, the approval of Ripple’s national trust bank could propel XRP’s price to $10 in no time, reflecting the market’s growing confidence in regulatory-compliant crypto infrastructure.
The reasoning behind this projection is simple: approval would signify official recognition of Ripple as a U.S.-chartered financial institution, eliminating much of the regulatory uncertainty that has historically weighed on XRP’s valuation. Institutional investors — who have been cautious amid years of SEC scrutiny — could then re-enter the market, fueling liquidity and demand.
While Steph’s $10 prediction embodies bullish optimism, market experts caution that XRP’s long-term valuation will still depend on broader adoption trends, liquidity cycles, and regulatory clarity across other jurisdictions.
Regulatory Challenges and Opposition
Despite growing excitement, Ripple’s path to approval is not without resistance. Several community banking groups and policy advocates have already filed objections, citing concerns about consumer protection and fair competition.
Organizations such as the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) have called for stringent oversight, warning that crypto-affiliated banks could introduce new financial risks.
The OCC, therefore, faces a delicate task — balancing innovation with regulation. Every comment, objection, and compliance submission will factor into the final decision, which could take several months depending on the complexity of the review.
The Broader Implications for the Crypto Market
Ripple’s trust bank application symbolizes more than just one company’s ambition. It represents a turning point in the convergence of blockchain and traditional banking. If approved, the “Ripple National Trust Bank” would not only solidify Ripple’s regulatory standing but could also set a precedent for other blockchain firms seeking federal charters.
Such a move would likely accelerate mainstream financial integration of digital assets, providing institutions with a compliant gateway into crypto settlements — and positioning XRP as a key liquidity instrument for global payments.
Final Thoughts
Ripple’s national trust bank bid is more than a regulatory milestone; it’s a statement of intent. It signals the company’s readiness to operate within the highest levels of U.S. financial regulation — a development that could redefine how digital assets are perceived by banks and investors alike.
As the outcome of Ripple’s historic application is awaited, all eyes are on Washington.