In the unpredictable world of cryptocurrency, Ripple‘s strategies are set on achieving sustainable development rather than short-lived gains. According to Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, the company’s gaze is fixed firmly on the year 2026, with efforts centered around XRP and RLUSD fostering long-lasting value. Reflecting on 2025, Garlinghouse highlighted a crucial phase where the outcomes of Ripple’s enduring strategies began to surface.
What Defined Ripple’s Breakthrough Year?
Ripple’s 2025 was likened to Tom Brady’s stellar years by Garlinghouse, indicating it as a pivotal time for the company. The progress achieved didn’t arise by chance but was the fruit of deliberate, long-range investments. These investments are essential for crafting the “Internet of Value,” a vision Ripple steadily pursues.
Notably, 2025 saw Ripple making significant headway with two major acquisitions. The company purchased GTreasury for $1 billion and acquired Ripple Prime, previously known as Hidden Road, for about $1.25 billion. These moves represent Ripple’s most extensive growth endeavors to date, significantly enhancing their cross-border value transfer solutions on a corporate level.
How Does Regulatory Compliance Influence Ripple’s Future?
As Ripple looks towards 2026, one of its standout strengths lies in its regulatory advancements. Earning an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from the UK underscores Ripple’s fortified regulatory position in the crypto sphere. Garlinghouse views this as a testament to Ripple being among the most well-regulated entities in the field.
The wider crypto community continues to seek regulatory clarity, a pursuit aligned with Ripple’s trajectory. This includes the initiation of MiCA guidelines in the EU and Asian central banks piloting blockchain payment solutions. Furthermore, the accelerated acceptance of stablecoins by major banks underlines the growing prominence of RLUSD.
Entering 2026, XRP demonstrated renewed energy, showing a rise of over 20% to reach $2.41 before a slight pullback. Meanwhile, RLUSD climbed to a market cap of over $1 billion, reflecting robust growth within just a year.
Key takeaways from the article:
- Ripple’s two strategic acquisitions in 2025 were significant financial and operational milestones.
- The EMI license from the UK strengthens Ripple’s position in regulatory compliance.
- XRP and RLUSD are central to Ripple’s growth, with notable market performance heading into 2026.
Garlinghouse’s statement encapsulates Ripple’s ethos:
“Our focus is on real-world utility and durable integration over fleeting market trends.”
