Ripple’s push into the U.S. banking system has taken another important step, with its national trust bank receiving conditional approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Crypto researcher SMQKE is now highlighting the development as a potential connection between Ripple’s banking operations, RLUSD, and the federal financial system.
In a recent post, SMQKE wrote, “Ripple’s Bank Charter will officially integrate RLUSD and XRP with the Federal Banking System.” The researcher accompanied the statement with documentation discussing Ripple’s regulatory applications and its plans involving RLUSD reserves.
Ripple’s Bank Charter will officially integrate RLUSD and XRP with the Federal Banking System. ✅
This is documented below.📝👇 https://t.co/L3W35QG0Gs pic.twitter.com/aJrleTxsPr
— SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) August 11, 2026
Ripple’s National Trust Bank Approval
The OCC announced in December 2025 that it had granted preliminary conditional approval for the creation of Ripple National Trust Bank. The proposed institution would operate as a national trust bank under OCC supervision, subject to completing the agency’s remaining requirements before receiving final authorization to commence business.
The development places Ripple among several digital asset companies pursuing federally regulated banking structures. The OCC also conditionally approved applications involving First National Digital Currency Bank, BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Paxos.
SMQKE’s post focuses on the potential significance of this development for XRP and RLUSD. The attached material states that Ripple submitted an application to the OCC while also seeking a Federal Reserve master account. It describes the objective of placing RLUSD reserves within the central banking system.
Federal Reserve Access and RLUSD Reserves
Ripple’s pursuit of a Federal Reserve master account represents a separate regulatory process from the OCC charter. A master account provides an institution with an account relationship at a Federal Reserve Bank and access to Federal Reserve services.
Reuters reported in 2025 that Ripple had applied for a Federal Reserve master account alongside its national bank charter application. The report stated that Ripple sought the ability to access the Fed’s payment infrastructure and potentially hold RLUSD reserves directly with the central bank.
That distinction matters because the OCC’s conditional approval does not itself grant Ripple a Federal Reserve master account. The two applications involve different institutions and approval processes.
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XRP and RLUSD in Ripple’s Banking Strategy
SMQKE presents the developments as a major step toward integrating Ripple’s digital asset operations with the federal banking system. The post specifically links the bank charter with both RLUSD and XRP.
RLUSD currently operates through Standard Custody & Trust Company, a limited-purpose trust company chartered by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Ripple says RLUSD reserves are held in segregated accounts at banks and securities custodians and are backed by U.S. dollars and other cash equivalents.
The researcher’s central claim is therefore focused on the potential significance of Ripple gaining deeper access to federal financial infrastructure. While the bank charter has received conditional approval, the Federal Reserve account remains a separate matter, so the full integration described by SMQKE depends on further regulatory approvals.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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