Ripple’s Strategic Membership in ABA
Ripple’s inclusion in the American Bankers Association (ABA) Partner Network marks a milestone rarely achieved by a blockchain company. The ABA, founded in 1875, represents banks of all sizes across the United States and serves as a policy and regulatory liaison between the financial industry and U.S. lawmakers.
Ripple’s membership grants it access to high-level banking discussions, regulatory insights, and collaboration opportunities with major financial institutions—effectively positioning it within the heart of the American banking infrastructure.
Ripple is a member of the ABA, but Circle is not. This means that only one crypto company can be considered a bank. They will NOT be able to stop what is coming for Ripple and XRP.
The storm is here to stay.
Ripple will be the world's largest bank. pic.twitter.com/d96WqKTeH3— {x} (@unknowDLT) October 5, 2025
Unlike many crypto firms that operate on the industry’s periphery, Ripple’s direct engagement with the ABA signals recognition from traditional finance (TradFi). This affiliation reinforces the company’s long-term strategy of bridging the gap between blockchain technology and regulated banking systems, a move that sets it apart from competitors like Circle, which currently lacks ABA membership.
The National Trust Bank Connection
Documents publicly filed in June 2025 revealed that Ripple executives, including Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty and board member Timothy Keaney, signed formal applications tied to the establishment of Ripple National Trust Bank.
These filings with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) mark Ripple’s intention to operate under federal banking oversight. The 120-day approval window, expected to reach its conclusion this October, has intensified anticipation across the XRP community and broader fintech industry.
If approved, Ripple National Trust Bank would enable the company to offer federally regulated custody, settlement, and clearing services—integrating XRP into the traditional financial system under U.S. banking laws. Such authorization would make Ripple the first blockchain firm to operate as a federally chartered trust bank with direct institutional connectivity.
Ripple vs. Circle: Diverging Paths in Regulation
While Circle, the issuer of USDC, has sought state-level trust charters and maintains relationships with U.S. banks, it has not achieved ABA membership nor an approved federal trust bank charter.
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— TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025
Ripple’s dual-track approach—joining the ABA and pursuing a federal trust charter—places it in a stronger regulatory and institutional position. This distinction has fueled speculation that Ripple could emerge as the first true “crypto-native bank,” bridging on-chain liquidity with traditional financial rails at scale.
The Implication for XRP and the Global Financial System
Ripple’s advancement toward a federally regulated banking status represents far more than corporate prestige. It symbolizes the convergence of blockchain-based value transfer and global banking infrastructure.
If approved, Ripple could leverage its RippleNet technology, On-Demand Liquidity (ODL), and the XRP Ledger to enable real-time cross-border settlements directly between banks and financial institutions—without intermediaries.
This evolution supports {x}’s assertion that “they will not be able to stop what is coming for Ripple and XRP.” The institutional doors opening to Ripple could fundamentally alter how money moves across borders, creating the foundation for what some analysts predict could become the world’s largest blockchain-based banking network.
A Storm That Cannot Be Stopped
The winds of change are undeniable. With ABA membership secured, regulatory filings advancing, and global banks exploring XRPL integration, Ripple’s trajectory appears unstoppable. Whether through partnerships, trust charter approval, or expanding regulatory acceptance, the company is poised to redefine the concept of modern banking.
As {x} aptly notes, “The storm is here to stay.” And if current indicators hold, that storm could reshape the financial world—with Ripple and XRP at its epicenter.