The cryptocurrency community is buzzing again - this time due to rumors that Ripple may be planning to apply for a U.S. banking license. The rumors started after a clip from XRP Las Vegas 2025 went viral online, sparking speculation that the payments giant may be preparing to enter the traditional banking sector. But is any of that true? Let's analyze what is fact, what is fiction, and what is worth watching.

The viral clip sparked rumors.

It all started with a tweet quoting journalist Eleanor Terrett at a seminar in XRP Las Vegas. In the clip, the discussion turned to the idea of Ripple becoming a bank. The tweet stated:

"Ripple could obtain a banking license. Because the cost of transactions in payments is nearly zero on XRPLedger… A bank is basically like breathing air."

That's enough to bring speculation to a climax. Crypto Twitter quickly seized on this idea, with some users claiming that it had already been done. But there's a problem - Ripple has not said anything at all.

There has been no official statement, no filed records, and no confirmation that a banking license is being considered.

Greg Kidd's role 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 – one aimed at digital-first companies.

Kidd explains that this charter 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 intriguing idea, Kidd made it clear: he is not speaking on behalf of Ripple and the charter is still in development. That hasn't stopped the XRP community from connecting the dots.

Ripple's actual moves in the banking sector.

Even if 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 helps the company gain more access to policymakers and financial regulators.

CEO Brad Garlinghouse has also made Ripple's position clear: they are not trying to replace banks; they are trying to partner with them. At the Las Vegas event, he once again emphasized Ripple's mission to fix cross-border payments – making them cheaper, faster, and more efficient by cutting out unnecessary intermediaries.

Ripple's ongoing legal battle with the SEC may also be approaching a turning point, although they have clearly won the largest disputed points. Attorney John Deaton recently stated that there is a 70% chance that Judge Analisa Torres will approve the settlement agreement and request relief.

If that happens, Ripple would be in a stronger position to expand its operations – possibly even under the type of charter that Kidd is developing.

The last line.

Currently, the idea of Ripple becoming a bank is just an idea. No confirmation. No paperwork. No public plan.

But the interest is not without reason. Between Ripple's relationship with traditional finance and Greg Kidd's new charter, it is clear that there is movement happening around the boundaries of the banking world. Whether Ripple will take that step remains to be seen.

Currently, all eyes are on what Ripple will say or not say next. We will keep track and provide you with updates!