Ripple Makes Power Play: Files for National Bank Charter as RLUSD Pushes for Federal Stamp

Ripple just dropped a regulatory bombshell—and the crypto world is scrambling to parse the implications.

The San Francisco-based blockchain giant filed paperwork for a national bank license, a move that could reshape its regulatory battlefield. But the real headline? Their stablecoin RLUSD might be gunning for federal backing.

Banking on Blockchain

This isn’t just paperwork—it’s a strategic cannonball into traditional finance’s deep end. Securing a national bank charter would let Ripple custody assets, process payments, and issue loans under one roof. No more begging legacy banks for scraps.

The RLUSD Gambit

Insiders whisper the license could fast-track RLUSD’s path to becoming the first federally-recognized stablecoin. Imagine: a crypto-native dollar alternative with the Fed’s implicit blessing. Tether’s lawyers just felt a chill down their spines.

Wall Street’s Worst Nightmare

Traditional banks hate this trick. Ripple’s end-run around the financial old guard proves what crypto skeptics fear most—blockchain firms aren’t just disrupting payments. They’re rebuilding the entire plumbing.

One cynical footnote: Nothing unites crypto bros and DC bureaucrats like the smell of freshly printed money—whether it’s green or algorithmic.

TLDR

• Ripple has officially applied for a national banking license with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
• The license would place Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD under direct federal regulatory oversight.
• Ripple aims to enhance institutional trust by operating under both state and federal compliance frameworks.
• The company’s subsidiary has also filed for a Federal Reserve master account to hold RLUSD reserves.
• Ripple plans to expand its crypto services through a federally regulated banking platform.

Ripple has submitted an application for a national banking charter with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The move places Ripple under federal supervision and expands its compliance framework alongside its New York state license. It aims to bolster trust in its stablecoin RLUSD as it seeks to grow its crypto-related financial services.

The company continues to build regulatory momentum following the recent launch of RLUSD, a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin. Ripple’s application signals its intent to operate within both state and federal banking frameworks. This dual oversight could make RLUSD more competitive in the evolving digital asset market.

Ripple’s leadership maintains a compliance-focused approach as regulatory clarity increases under the current administration. A national bank charter WOULD allow Ripple to broaden services under federal supervision. It also positions Ripple to support institutional-grade infrastructure in the crypto-financial ecosystem.

RLUSD Set to Operate Under Federal Oversight

Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD could benefit from direct oversight by the OCC if the charter gains approval. This would place RLUSD operations under a national banking framework and align it with traditional financial standards. Such a shift may increase institutional confidence in Ripple’s digital currency products.

The stablecoin is fully backed by dollar reserves and short-term U.S. Treasurys, according to Ripple’s disclosures. With this model, Ripple seeks to ensure transparency and reserve backing for RLUSD. Enhanced oversight may also position RLUSD for broader use across financial platforms.

This development comes as the company aligns its offerings with the growing demand for regulated digital assets. RLUSD’s integration into Ripple’s banking structure could enable more stable and scalable operations. Federal licensure would further distinguish Ripple’s approach from that of unregulated stablecoin issuers.

Ripple Expands Financial Infrastructure Through Fed Access

Ripple’s subsidiary, Standard Custody & Trust Company, also filed for a Federal Reserve master account. This application would enable Ripple to hold RLUSD reserves directly with the central bank. Such access improves operational control and reserve security for its stablecoin.

Ripple’s application supports its strategy to expand regulated crypto services under national banking laws. It could increase Ripple’s ability to manage liquidity and settlements in-house. Additionally, direct Federal Reserve access strengthens Ripple’s positioning within the U.S. payments ecosystem.

At the same time, Circle Internet Group also applied for a national bank license to support its stablecoin operations. This signals a growing trend among crypto firms to seek federal oversight and infrastructure.