Ripple has secured final approval from U.S. regulators for its national trust bank, marking a major step forward in its efforts to expand across traditional finance. The announcement comes as Swell 2026 begins in New York, putting XRP in focus as investors assess whether regulatory progress, institutional partnerships, and ETF demand could support another rally.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) granted final approval to Ripple National Trust Bank on October 26, completing a process that began with conditional approval in December 2025. The authorization supports Ripple’s plans to expand digital asset custody services and manage reserves associated with its RLUSD stablecoin.

Ripple’s Trust Bank Approval Strengthens Its Position in Traditional Finance

The latest regulatory milestone advances Ripple’s strategy of connecting blockchain infrastructure with established financial services. Ripple National Trust Bank is expected to oversee segregated reserves backing RLUSD, act as collateral trustee for RLUSD holders, and provide fiduciary custody services for digital assets.

Standard Custody & Trust Company will continue issuing RLUSD under New York state regulation. The additional federal oversight strengthens the regulatory structure supporting Ripple’s stablecoin and institutional offerings. Since its launch in December 2024, RLUSD has reportedly reached a market capitalization of $2.5 billion.

For XRP, Ripple’s expanding presence in payments, custody, stablecoins, and capital markets could create opportunities for broader institutional participation. Greater use of Ripple’s infrastructure may encourage adoption of the XRP Ledger and contribute to liquidity across its ecosystem.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has frequently emphasized the importance of connecting digital asset companies with traditional banking institutions. The new approval gives that approach a stronger regulatory foundation as financial industry leaders gather to discuss developments in digital finance.

XRP ETFs Attract $1.8 Billion in Cumulative Inflows

U.S. spot XRP exchange-traded funds have recorded approximately $1.8 billion in cumulative net inflows, providing a significant avenue for institutional exposure to the token. Their combined net assets stood at $1.48 billion.

Recent figures show that investors continued adding capital, although inflows remained relatively modest. XRP ETFs recorded $4.3 million in net inflows between October 19 and October 23, including $3.5 million on October 22. The October 23 session registered no net creations or redemptions.

These funds allow traditional investors to gain exposure to XRP through regulated investment products without directly managing digital wallets or conducting blockchain transactions. Continued inflows could therefore play an important role in supporting institutional demand.

Ripple Swell 2026 may provide another source of market attention. The conference runs from October 27 to October 29 in New York, alongside the XRP Ledger developer conference Apex and a gathering connected to the University Blockchain Research Initiative.

Ripple expects more than 1,500 attendees, over 100 speakers, and more than 80 sessions covering capital markets, settlement infrastructure, tokenization, stablecoins, crypto ETFs, and XRP-related applications.

Participation from Ripple executives and representatives of major financial institutions could produce announcements affecting the ecosystem. Developments involving institutional payments, custody, tokenization, or new investment products may influence investor sentiment and the outlook for XRP.

XRP Price Prediction: Could the Token Reach $15?

Technical analyst Javon Marks has identified $15 as a potential XRP price target, basing his outlook on similarities between the token’s current chart structure and its major breakout in 2017.

In July 2026, Marks highlighted the approximately 2,872% gain XRP recorded during that historical rally. Applying a similar percentage increase to the token’s November 2024 breakout level near $0.50 produced the $15 projection.

Reaching that target would require a substantial price increase and a renewed period of strong demand. Expanding institutional adoption, sustained ETF inflows, and favorable Ripple announcements could strengthen the bullish case, although these factors do not guarantee such an outcome.

Chad Steingraber has also previously suggested that XRP could climb from $2 to $10 in less than a year. His outlook pointed to ETF demand and the potential for faster price discovery as institutional participation increases.

Swell 2026 gives Ripple an opportunity to reinforce this market narrative through potential announcements involving banking partnerships, RLUSD adoption, and institutional infrastructure built around the XRP Ledger. Meaningful progress could improve the ecosystem’s long-term prospects and attract additional investor interest.

However, the $15 target remains speculative. Ripple’s regulatory progress and ETF inflows may support market sentiment, but XRP’s eventual performance will depend on broader market conditions, real-world adoption, and sustained buying activity.

As Swell 2026 gets underway, investors will be watching for announcements that could strengthen Ripple’s institutional reach and influence XRP’s next price move.