Ripple has received final authorization from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to establish Ripple National Trust Bank (RNTB), CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced on X late Monday.
The approval enables Ripple to operate a specialized banking institution under federal supervision, expanding its presence in the regulated financial sector. The company develops blockchain-based solutions for cryptocurrency transactions, cross-border payments, and asset tokenization.
Ripple submitted its application for a national trust bank charter in July 2025 and received conditional approval in December. The latest decision completes the regulatory process and brings the company closer to operating under a federal banking framework.
Garlinghouse has consistently argued that cryptocurrency firms and traditional financial institutions can benefit from working together. He said the final approval demonstrates that approach in practice and provides Ripple with a stronger foundation for RLUSD and its institutional services across payments, custody, and capital markets.
Ripple Bank to Oversee RLUSD Reserves
RNTB will manage the reserves supporting RLUSD, Ripple’s dollar-pegged stablecoin, and serve as trustee for those assets. The bank will also offer regulated digital asset custody services to institutional customers.
These services are intended to help businesses securely manage digital assets used for payments, trading, and treasury operations.
RLUSD will continue to be issued by Standard Custody & Trust Company, Ripple’s New York-regulated subsidiary. The new bank adds federal supervision to the stablecoin’s existing regulatory arrangements, which already include state-level oversight.
Since its launch in December 2024, RLUSD has reached a reported market capitalization of approximately $2.5 billion, placing it among the world’s 50 largest stablecoins. It supports Ripple’s payment operations and is also used as collateral on Ripple Prime.
The stablecoin is backed by U.S. dollar deposits, government securities, and other cash-equivalent assets. BNY holds most of its reserves. XRP, the fifth-largest digital asset by market capitalization according to the supplied report, is also used within Ripple’s ecosystem to facilitate cross-border transactions.
Ripple Prepares for New U.S. Stablecoin Requirements
Ripple said it will continue cooperating with the OCC, New York regulators, and other authorities as RNTB prepares to begin operations.
The decision arrives as the United States develops its stablecoin regulatory framework under the GENIUS Act. The rules are expected to shape how issuers manage reserves, meet compliance obligations, and provide stablecoin-related services.
Final approval gives Ripple a stronger regulatory footing as it expands its institutional offerings. It could also support further development of its stablecoin operations, custody services, and blockchain-based payment infrastructure while strengthening connections with traditional finance.
