Brad Garlinghouse and Ripple Move Toward Banking Compliance: The Potential Impact on XRP

Ripple is taking a significant step forward in the cryptocurrency sector with the conditional approval granted by the OCC to establish a national trust bank. The announcement, formalized on December 12, 2025, signals a major shift in the company’s regulatory stance and opens doors for greater institutional acceptance of XRP.

The trust bank will specialize in custody and settlement services, structured to strictly comply with regulatory standards, including international anti-money laundering protocols. This strategic approach demonstrates Ripple’s commitment to operating within a solid regulatory framework, setting it apart from other proposals in the crypto industry.

Brad Garlinghouse, as CEO of Ripple, interpreted this approval as a major milestone in the company’s path toward full compliance with stablecoins. The initiative reflects not only a regulatory victory but also the potential to attract institutional investors who have historically stayed away from the digital assets industry due to concerns over lack of oversight.

Before the official launch, Ripple will need to meet a series of pre-operational requirements established by the regulator. This additional validation process ensures that the bank is prepared for the fiduciary and settlement responsibilities it will assume.

The current context further amplifies the significance of this approval. With ongoing speculation about the approval of Bitcoin ETFs gaining momentum, the digital assets sector is in a transition phase. Ripple’s approval for banking operations could catalyze a broader wave of institutional adoption, positioning XRP as a more attractive asset for corporate players and investment funds seeking regulated exposure to the crypto market.