The cryptocurrency community is buzzing again – this time due to rumors that Ripple may be planning to apply for a banking license in the United States. The rumors started after a clip from XRP Las Vegas 2025 went viral online, sparking speculation that this payment giant could be preparing to enter the traditional banking sector. But is any of this true? Let's analyze what is fact, what is fiction, and what is worth watching.
The viral clip has caused rumors.
It all started with a tweet quoting journalist Eleanor Terrett at a conference in XRP Las Vegas. In the clip, the discussion shifted to the idea of Ripple becoming a bank. The tweet read:
"Ripple can obtain a banking license. Because the cost of transactions is almost zero on the XRPLedger... Banks are basically just like breathing air."
That is enough to bring speculation to a climax. Crypto Twitter quickly seized on this idea, with some users claiming that it has already been done. But there is one problem - Ripple has not said anything yet.
There is no official statement, no submitted records, and no confirmation that the banking license is under review.
The role of Greg Kidd in the conversation
Contributing to this speculation is Greg Kidd, an early Ripple investor and former U.S. congressional candidate. At the same event, he spoke about a new type of banking charter – a charter aimed at digital-first companies.
Kidd explained that this regulation does not require companies to have a physical branch or provide lending services. Instead, it will only focus on deposits and payments.
Although this is an interesting idea, Kidd made it clear: he is not speaking on behalf of Ripple and the charter is still under development. That doesn't stop the XRP community from connecting the dots together.
The real moves of Ripple in the banking sector
Even though Ripple has not yet applied for a license, the company has certainly made moves in the banking world.
Last year, Ripple became a Platinum Member of the American Bankers Association – a move that helped the company gain more access to policymakers and financial regulators.
CEO Brad Garlinghouse also clarified Ripple's position: they are not trying to replace banks, they are trying to collaborate with them. At the event in Las Vegas, he once again emphasized Ripple's mission to fix cross-border payments – making them cheaper, faster, and more efficient by cutting out unnecessary intermediaries.
Legal barriers may soon be removed.
Ripple's prolonged legal battle with the SEC may soon reach a turning point, although they have clearly won the biggest points of contention. Attorney John Deaton recently stated that there is a 70% chance that Judge Analisa Torres will approve the settlement agreement and grant relief.
If that happens, Ripple will be in a stronger position to expand its operations - even possibly according to the type of charter that Kidd is building.
The last line
Currently, the idea of Ripple becoming a bank is just an idea. There is no confirmation. No paperwork. No public plan.
But the interest is not spontaneous. Between Ripple's relationship with traditional finance and Greg Kidd's new charter, there is clearly movement happening around the borders of the banking world. Whether Ripple takes that step or not remains to be seen.
Currently, all attention is focused on what Ripple will say or not say next. We will keep you updated!
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The Truth or Fiction: Is Ripple Becoming a Bank?
The cryptocurrency community is buzzing again – this time due to rumors that Ripple may be planning to apply for a banking license in the United States. The rumors started after a clip from XRP Las Vegas 2025 went viral online, sparking speculation that this payment giant could be preparing to enter the traditional banking sector. But is any of this true? Let's analyze what is fact, what is fiction, and what is worth watching. The viral clip has caused rumors. It all started with a tweet quoting journalist Eleanor Terrett at a conference in XRP Las Vegas. In the clip, the discussion shifted to the idea of Ripple becoming a bank. The tweet read: "Ripple can obtain a banking license. Because the cost of transactions is almost zero on the XRPLedger... Banks are basically just like breathing air." That is enough to bring speculation to a climax. Crypto Twitter quickly seized on this idea, with some users claiming that it has already been done. But there is one problem - Ripple has not said anything yet. There is no official statement, no submitted records, and no confirmation that the banking license is under review. The role of Greg Kidd in the conversation Contributing to this speculation is Greg Kidd, an early Ripple investor and former U.S. congressional candidate. At the same event, he spoke about a new type of banking charter – a charter aimed at digital-first companies. Kidd explained that this regulation does not require companies to have a physical branch or provide lending services. Instead, it will only focus on deposits and payments. Although this is an interesting idea, Kidd made it clear: he is not speaking on behalf of Ripple and the charter is still under development. That doesn't stop the XRP community from connecting the dots together. The real moves of Ripple in the banking sector Even though Ripple has not yet applied for a license, the company has certainly made moves in the banking world. Last year, Ripple became a Platinum Member of the American Bankers Association – a move that helped the company gain more access to policymakers and financial regulators. CEO Brad Garlinghouse also clarified Ripple's position: they are not trying to replace banks, they are trying to collaborate with them. At the event in Las Vegas, he once again emphasized Ripple's mission to fix cross-border payments – making them cheaper, faster, and more efficient by cutting out unnecessary intermediaries. Legal barriers may soon be removed. Ripple's prolonged legal battle with the SEC may soon reach a turning point, although they have clearly won the biggest points of contention. Attorney John Deaton recently stated that there is a 70% chance that Judge Analisa Torres will approve the settlement agreement and grant relief. If that happens, Ripple will be in a stronger position to expand its operations - even possibly according to the type of charter that Kidd is building. The last line Currently, the idea of Ripple becoming a bank is just an idea. There is no confirmation. No paperwork. No public plan. But the interest is not spontaneous. Between Ripple's relationship with traditional finance and Greg Kidd's new charter, there is clearly movement happening around the borders of the banking world. Whether Ripple takes that step or not remains to be seen. Currently, all attention is focused on what Ripple will say or not say next. We will keep you updated!