Speculation about the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) granting Ripple a US-chartered bank license intensified. The public comment period closed on August 4, 2025. Approval, however, is not assured. A banking license is expected to boost XRP‘s profile, since approval would give Ripple a footing in the US financial system.
A banking license could boost demand for XRP in several ways, including:
Crucially, a banking license may legitimize the token, potentially increasing institutional interest in holding it as a treasury reserve asset.
While a license could enable XRP integration into banking operations, Ripple has not confirmed such plans. Uncertainty about Ripple’s plans for XRP integration has limited enthusiasm about the potential impact of a banking license on the token’s price.
Notably, a banking license could come at a pivotal time for XRP as the launch of XRP-spot ETFs looms.
Pro-crypto lawyer Bill Morgan described October as a potential ‘perfect storm’ for XRP, stating:
“All these spot ETFs, including XRP spot ETFs, being delayed until late October. Then you have Ripple’s application for a national bank charter that was filed on 2nd July 2025, which, according to the OCC manual, should generally be decided within 120 days, which means by the end of October. A lot could happen at once in October.”
The timing of an XRP-spot ETF launch hinges on the duration of the US government shutdown. Kalshi estimates a 21-day shutdown, with prediction markets showing 63% odds of exceeding 15 days and 52% for lasting more than 20 days.
Although a 21-day shutdown could delay the launch, anticipation of strong institutional demand may still support prices.
Notably, the launch of XRP-spot ETFs could happen soon after a US government reopening. The Generic Listing Standards for Commodity-Based Trust shares mean the SEC only needs to approve the S-1s to allow ETF issuers to list and begin trading.
On Monday, October 6, Capitol Hill will be in the spotlight as traders monitor efforts to end the shutdown. A bipartisan stopgap vote could fuel speculation of an imminent XRP-spot ETF launch, lifting sentiment.
XRP rose 0.02% on Sunday, October 5, partially reversing the previous day’s 2.33% loss to close at $2.9702. The token underperformed the broader market (0.65%) but remained within range of the psychological $3 level.
Traders are watching the following technical levels:
In the coming sessions, several key catalysts could determine near-term price trends:
The combination of ETF flows, legislative developments, and demand for XRP as a treasury reserve asset could determine whether XRP tests key support levels or breaks above resistance.
Bearish Scenario
These bearish events could drag XRP toward $2.8. If breached, $2.5 would be the next key support level.
Bullish Scenario
These bullish events could drive XRP above $3, bringing $3.1 into play. A sustained move through $3.1 may open the door to testing resistance at $3.3.
Capitol Hill remains the focal point for crypto markets, with an extended shutdown expected to delay the launch of crypto-spot ETFs. Speculation about SEC approvals could boost demand for XRP should the Senate pass a stopgap funding bill.
Analysts will closely monitor how regulatory risks influence XRP’s price outlook in the coming weeks.
With over 28 years of experience in the financial industry, Bob has worked with various global rating agencies and multinational banks. Currently he is covering currencies, commodities, alternative asset classes and global equities, focusing mostly on European and Asian markets.