Ripple has secured final authorization from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to launch Ripple National Trust Bank (RNTB), strengthening its efforts to bring cryptocurrency services further into the regulated financial system.

CEO Brad Garlinghouse shared the announcement on X late Monday. Ripple filed its application for a national trust bank charter in July 2025 and received conditional approval in December. The OCC’s final decision completes the approval process in October 2026.

The development gives Ripple a stronger regulatory foundation as it expands its blockchain-based payment and tokenization services. Garlinghouse said the decision highlights how traditional banks and crypto companies can work together, adding that the charter will support Ripple’s institutional products across payments, custody, and capital markets.

Ripple Bank to Manage RLUSD Reserves and Custody Services

Under the new arrangement, Ripple National Trust Bank will oversee the reserves backing RLUSD, Ripple’s U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin. It will also serve as a trustee and provide regulated digital asset custody for institutional clients.

These services are intended to help businesses and financial institutions use digital assets for payments, trading, and treasury management.

Standard Custody & Trust Company, Ripple’s New York-regulated subsidiary, will remain the issuer of RLUSD. The national trust bank will add federal supervision to the stablecoin’s existing regulatory framework, which includes state-level oversight.

Since its launch in December 2024, RLUSD has grown to a reported market capitalization of approximately $2.5 billion, placing it among the 50 largest stablecoins. It is used within Ripple’s payment services and accepted 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 continues to support Ripple’s broader digital asset ecosystem, including cross-border transactions.

OCC Approval Comes as U.S. Stablecoin Regulation Advances

Ripple said it will continue engaging with the OCC, New York regulators, and other authorities as the new bank moves toward operations.

The approval arrives as the United States advances its stablecoin regulatory framework under the GENIUS Act. The rules are expected to establish requirements for issuers covering reserve management, compliance, and operational standards.

With the charter finalized, Ripple can strengthen its institutional infrastructure while expanding its presence in regulated digital asset services. The move also reinforces the company’s push to connect blockchain-based payments and custody with the established financial system.