Ripple gets OCC approval to become national trust bank, joining BitGo and others

XRP has transitioned from being viewed as a speculative cryptocurrency to a recognized digital asset in regulated markets, reflecting increased legal clarity and institutional interest. This shift is underscored by recent developments from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and growing demand for compliant blockchain solutions.

Bank of America has forecasted that U.S. banks will begin integrating stablecoins and tokenized deposits by 2027, as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) establish new regulations to facilitate this transition.

Ripple has emerged victorious in its legal battle with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with XRP being classified as a non-security. This resolution has shifted the focus from regulatory concerns to Ripple's broader achievements in the cryptocurrency landscape.

Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin has transitioned to Layer 2 networks, marking a significant step as the company accelerates its bullish momentum in regulated on-chain finance. This move follows recent regulatory approvals that enhance the stablecoin's operational framework, particularly in the UAE and the Abu Dhabi Global Market.

XRP has remained stagnant around the $2.00 mark despite significant institutional developments, including Ripple's $300 million venture fund expansion into South Korea and nearly $1 billion in spot ETF inflows. This lack of price movement suggests a disconnect between positive news and market behavior, as XRP's price trends downward on the daily chart.

Ripple has announced plans to launch its RLUSD stablecoin on the Base and Optimism networks via the Wormhole bridge, with an expected rollout in 2026. This expansion aims to enhance the accessibility and utility of RLUSD in various decentralized finance ecosystems.

The Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) has officially removed cryptocurrencies from its systemic risk list, a decision influenced by President Trump's pro-crypto executive order, the introduction of the GENIUS Act, and a shift in regulatory stance from the SEC and OCC. This change reflects a growing acceptance of digital assets within the U.S. banking system, particularly with the increasing use of ETFs and stablecoins.

The UAE is emerging as a significant hub for cryptocurrency as Coinbase and Ripple align their strategies to capitalize on the region's growing market. This collaboration signals a shift in market gravity towards the Gulf, highlighting the UAE's commitment to becoming a global leader in digital finance.