Ripple Files Bank License Application in America: Big Signal for the Company, But XRP Still "Stagnant"

This week, Ripple – the company behind the cryptocurrency XRP – has submitted an application for a national banking license in the United States. This move is seen as a strategic step, bringing Ripple closer to the mainstream financial system, where regulatory frameworks play a central role. However, it is noteworthy that the market has reacted quite "coldly" to this information – and there are valid reasons for that. XRP Slightly Rises After News, But No Breakthrough Immediately after the news that Ripple applied for a banking license with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the United States (OCC), the price of XRP only increased slightly by about 3%. This reflects a reality that: even if Ripple becomes a highly regulated financial institution in the U.S., it still does not have a direct or immediate impact on the utility or legal status of XRP. A banking license, if granted, will allow Ripple to operate as a custodian bank – an institution that can hold digital assets, manage stablecoin reserves, and provide financial services to institutional clients. Ripple plans to use this license to support its new stablecoin product – RLUSD, similar to how companies like Circle or Fidelity have been doing. However, this strategy does not imply that the demand for XRP will increase in the short term. The Bank License Does Not Change the Legal Status of XRP It is important to emphasize that: even if Ripple is granted bank licensing in the US, it does not change the current legal regulations regarding XRP. Previously, Ripple withdrew its appeal against part of the lawsuit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Therefore, the 2023 ruling of the federal court remains in effect. Accordingly, XRP is not considered a security when traded with retail investors, but Ripple's sale of XRP to institutions still violates securities laws. This means that Ripple cannot sell XRP to institutions in the U.S. unless it registers with the SEC or is granted a special exemption. Therefore, even if it becomes a licensed bank, Ripple cannot use that license to resume the sale of XRP to organizations in the US. And there is nothing in the bank licensing process that indicates XRP has become an asset approved by federal securities law. Conditional Positive Scenario Although there is no direct impact at present, a banking license – if granted – could provide a long-term foundation for Ripple to further develop new financial products, integrate more deeply with the banking system and institutional clients. In a bullish scenario, Ripple could leverage its banking position to serve regulated financial institutions, thereby enabling XRP to act as a liquidity intermediary in payment systems or digital assets. However, this is a long-term story, depending on infrastructure development, new capital flows, and especially clearer guidance from the legal framework. At the moment, traders are only reacting to a legal compliance story of Ripple, rather than a change in the role or intrinsic value of XRP. Conclusion: Ripple Moves Closer to Mainstream, But XRP Still Awaits a Big Opportunity If the banking license is approved, Ripple will have a completely new position in the US financial ecosystem – becoming a directly supervised financial institution, fully capable of custodial services for digital assets and operating products related to stablecoins. However, XRP still remains in its old position: allowed for retail trading, restricted with institutional clients, and has not yet made any clear breakthroughs in terms of utility or legality. While Ripple is taking steps to legitimize its business model, XRP still needs a stronger push from policy or practical applications to create a new wave of growth.