Ripple has once again captured the crypto spotlight with a move that could reshape its future—and potentially the entire digital asset landscape. The company has formally applied for a National Banking Charter and a coveted Federal Reserve Master Account, signaling its intention to expand beyond cross-border payments into full-scale banking services.

The market has already reacted. $XRP surged to $2.24, and analysts suggest a potential 40% rally to $3.20 if regulatory approvals are secured. Ripple’s market capitalization jumped from $126.4 billion to $132.4 billion following the announcement, reflecting renewed investor confidence.

Technical indicators support the bullish outlook. The MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) shows upward momentum, with historical accuracy of 60.8% on similar setups. Traders are closely watching the $2.34 resistance level as a breakout here could signal the start of another explosive run.

This strategic pivot is more than just a price catalyst. Approval of the banking charter would allow Ripple to operate RLUSD stablecoin services, offer digital asset custody, and integrate directly with the U.S. banking system. Such a move could fundamentally expand XRP’s utility beyond remittances.

Despite ongoing litigation with the SEC, community sentiment remains overwhelmingly bullish—with 91.6% of holders expressing confidence in XRP’s long-term prospects. Historical data also shows price swings of 3.6–5% around major announcements, offering short-term traders volatility opportunities.

As Ripple bets big on regulatory compliance, all eyes are now on U.S. authorities. Their decision could be the turning point that propels $XRP to new all-time highs—and cements Ripple’s role as a bridge between traditional finance and the crypto economy.