Ripple, a blockchain payments company, has received final approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to establish Ripple National Trust Bank (RNTB), a federally regulated trust bank in the United States.
The approval is a major step for Ripple as it expands its digital asset services and strengthens the regulatory support behind its US dollar-backed stablecoin, RLUSD.
Ripple first received conditional approval from the OCC in December 2025. With the final approval now granted, the company can move forward with launching its national trust bank under federal supervision.
Ripple’s New Bank Will Support RLUSD and Crypto Custody
Ripple National Trust Bank will mainly focus on managing the reserve assets that back RLUSD and providing secure digital asset custody services to institutional clients.
The bank will also act as a trustee to help protect the reserves supporting RLUSD holders.
However, RLUSD will continue to be issued by Standard Custody & Trust Company, Ripple’s New York-regulated trust company.
The new national trust bank will add another level of federal oversight to Ripple’s operations, helping the company build trust among banks, financial institutions and businesses using digital assets.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said the approval supports the company’s long-term goal of bringing cryptocurrency and traditional banking closer together.
He also highlighted that federal approval will help Ripple expand its services across payments, digital asset custody and financial markets.
RLUSD Reaches $2.5 Billion Market Value
The approval comes as Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin continues to grow.
Launched in December 2024, RLUSD has reached a market value of approximately $2.5 billion and is being used for payments and other financial services.
The stablecoin is backed by US dollar deposits, US government securities and other cash-like assets.
BNY serves as the main custodian for RLUSD reserves, while Ripple publishes monthly independent reports to provide information about the stablecoin’s supply and backing assets.
RLUSD is also being used as collateral through Ripple Prime, allowing financial institutions to use the stablecoin in trading and other financial activities.
Ripple Strengthens Its Position in US Crypto Banking
The approval comes as the United States continues to develop clearer regulations for stablecoins and digital asset companies.
Ripple said it will continue working with the OCC, New York financial regulators and other authorities as the new trust bank begins operations.
The company will also follow developments related to the GENIUS Act, which establishes a regulatory framework for stablecoins in the United States.
The decision represents an important development for Ripple’s plans to expand regulated cryptocurrency services.
With a federally supervised trust bank, Ripple aims to make it easier for financial institutions to use RLUSD and other digital assets within the traditional financial system.
Featured image from: reddit.com