Ripple becomes an established financial institution: OCC grants conditional charter approval

BoredStaker · 2026-02-09T13:06:20+00:00

Ripple has received a preliminary approval for a national trust bank charter from the OCC, marking a significant step towards being recognized as a financial institution. This approval not only strengthens Ripple's position but also sets a precedent for other blockchain firms. However, Ripple still faces regulatory hurdles before obtaining a full operational license.

BoredStaker

2026-02-09 13:06:20

Abstract generation in progress

Ripple has taken a significant step forward in its development as a recognized financial institution. The US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has granted the blockchain company a provisional approval for a national trust bank charter. This marks a milestone that not only solidifies Ripple’s position but also signals to other blockchain companies seeking entry into the traditional banking sector.

According to analyses by NS3.AI, this regulatory breakthrough could substantially strengthen Ripple’s status as a legitimate financial institution. The development could also provide positive momentum for XRP – Ripple’s native token, which is currently trading at $1.41 and experienced a 3.09 percent decline in the last 24 hours. The token’s market capitalization is approximately $85.65 billion.

The Charter as a Turning Point for Blockchain Financial Companies

The OCC approval underscores the growing acceptance of blockchain technology within the established financial industry. For Ripple, this means the company is no longer seen merely as a technology startup but is recognized as a full-fledged financial institution. This opens new opportunities for partnerships with traditional banks and financial institutions worldwide.

Challenges on the Path to the Final License

Despite this encouraging development, Ripple still faces a challenging road ahead. To fully finalize the license and operationalize the financial institution, the company must overcome strict regulatory hurdles. These include meeting comprehensive capital requirements, detailed risk management protocols, and robust governance structures. Only when all these requirements are demonstrably met will the conditional approval be converted into a full operating license.

The coming months will reveal how quickly Ripple can meet these standards and when the company will achieve its final status as a licensed financial institution. Until then, opportunities and challenges remain closely intertwined.

XRP2,01%

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