Ripple CEO Denies Ties to Troubled Linqto Amid XRP Regulatory Landscape Scrutiny

In a recent development, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has clarified that the blockchain payments firm has no ties to Linqto, an investment platform currently facing bankruptcy and regulatory investigations. The Wall Street Journal reported on June 30 that Linqto, which allows retail investors to buy shares in private companies, is under scrutiny by both the SEC and the Justice Department for its sales practices. Garlinghouse took to social media to distance Ripple from Linqto, emphasizing the company's focus on its core mission amid ongoing regulatory challenges. This news comes as XRP continues to navigate a complex regulatory environment, with the cryptocurrency community closely watching for any potential impacts on its future price and adoption. As of July 2025, the situation underscores the importance of transparency and compliance in the rapidly evolving digital asset space.

Ripple CEO Clarifies Ties to Linqto Amid Bankruptcy Rumors and Regulatory Scrutiny

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has moved swiftly to distance the blockchain payments firm from Linqto, an investment platform facing bankruptcy and regulatory investigations. The Wall Street Journal reported on June 30 that Linqto—known for offering retail investors access to private company shares—is under scrutiny by both the SEC and Justice Department for its sales practices.

Garlinghouse took to social media to clarify that Linqto's 4.7 million Ripple shares were acquired solely through secondary market transactions, emphasizing no direct business relationship exists between the companies. "XRP and Ripple shares are fundamentally different assets," he noted, addressing concerns from investors who purchased Ripple equity through the troubled platform.

The development underscores growing regulatory pressures on alternative investment vehicles in crypto. While Ripple itself remains unaffected by Linqto's operational challenges, the incident highlights persistent confusion among retail investors about equity versus token ownership in blockchain enterprises.

Ripple Seeks National Banking License and Federal Reserve Access for Stablecoin Push

Ripple has formally applied for a national bank charter with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, a strategic move that WOULD subject the company to dual state and federal oversight. Approval would position Ripple as a benchmark for regulatory compliance in the stablecoin market, according to CEO Brad Garlinghouse.

Separately, Ripple's partner Standard Custody filed for a Federal Reserve Master Account—a gateway to holding RLUSD reserves directly with the central bank. This dual-pronged regulatory approach coincides with growing institutional acceptance of digital assets, marking a departure from previous adversarial stances like Operation Chokepoint 2.0.

Ripple Pursues Federal Reserve Master Account and OCC Trust Charter in Strategic Banking Push

Ripple has taken a decisive step toward deeper integration with the U.S. financial system by applying for a Federal Reserve master account through its subsidiary Standard Custody. This follows last week's filing for a national trust charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Approval would grant Ripple direct access to Fedwire, eliminating intermediary banks and potentially revolutionizing cross-border settlement speeds and costs.

The MOVE coincides with Ripple's growing stablecoin ambitions. Its RLUSD token, launched in late 2024, has already amassed a $468 million market capitalization. Banking experts characterize Fed master accounts as the "diamond standard" of financial access—a tier above traditional bank accounts—while trust company status provides a regulatory beachhead for cryptocurrency-native institutions.

Swiss Bank AMINA Launches Custody and Trading for Ripple's RLUSD Stablecoin

AMINA Bank, a Switzerland-based crypto-focused financial institution, has become the first globally operating bank to support Ripple USD (RLUSD), the newly launched stablecoin from blockchain firm Ripple. The bank now offers institutional clients and professional investors custody and trading services for the dollar-pegged asset, with plans to expand offerings in coming months.

The adoption comes as stablecoins gain traction in traditional finance, with regulators worldwide establishing frameworks for the $250 billion asset class. RLUSD, backed by U.S. Treasuries and regulated by New York's financial watchdog, currently has a $430 million circulating supply.

AMINA's move underscores the growing convergence between digital assets and legacy finance. The Zug-headquartered bank, licensed by Swiss regulator FINMA with additional hubs in Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi, positions itself as a bridge between crypto infrastructure and regulated banking services.