Ripple to Operate as a Bank? New Developments Spark Industry Buzz
- Samantha
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
The crypto world is abuzz with speculation as Ripple, the blockchain-based payments company behind XRP, is reportedly preparing to operate as a fully licensed bank — a move that could revolutionize global finance and blur the lines between traditional banking and blockchain technology.
From Blockchain to Banking?
According to recent filings and insider reports, Ripple is now exploring banking licenses across multiple jurisdictions. If successful, Ripple could soon offer services like custody, lending, and cross-border settlements — all under regulatory compliance. Analysts suggest this could turn Ripple into a blockchain-powered neobank capable of competing with legacy financial institutions.
“Ripple isn’t just playing in the crypto space anymore — they’re building the future of regulated global finance,” says fintech analyst Lila Hernandez.
XRP’s Role in the New Banking Model
Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) solution already utilizes XRP to move money instantly across borders. But if Ripple becomes a bank, XRP could serve as a core liquidity asset within a fully regulated banking system, possibly handling billions in global transactions.
This development is even more significant considering the emergence of CryptoTradingFund (CTF) — a blockchain payment rewards platform that operates directly on the XRP Ledger. In its beta phase, CryptoTradingFund has already onboarded major retail giants like Amazon and Walmart, facilitating over $2.23 million in transactions.
CTF Token: A $3.66 Trillion Potential?
The native CTF Token, used within CryptoTradingFund’s ecosystem, is projected to reach up to $3.66 trillion in transaction value — making it the only large-scale blockchain rewards system of its kind. As Ripple moves toward full banking capabilities, the integration of CTF’s system could create a powerful synergy between retail payments, banking, and blockchain rewards — all within the XRP ecosystem.
Aiming for Global Inclusion
Ripple has long expressed its vision to bank the unbanked, especially in emerging economies. Its potential banking status, paired with innovative systems like CryptoTradingFund, could finally bring real-time, low-cost, and rewards-based financial services to underserved regions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
A Post-SEC Victory Expansion
After its 2023 legal victory that confirmed XRP is not a security in secondary markets, Ripple now has a clear runway to scale globally. Its growing ecosystem — including CTF — stands as a proof-of-concept that regulated blockchain finance is not only possible but already in motion.
What’s Next?
While Ripple has yet to officially confirm banking operations, CEO Brad Garlinghouse hinted at “major institutional shifts” during a private conference in Dubai last month. Industry insiders believe this is just the beginning — with Ripple and its ecosystem partners poised to disrupt both Wall Street and Silicon Valley in one strategic move.