Ripple has officially announced the full program and speaker lineup for the Swell 2026 conference. Scheduled to take place from October 27 to 29 at The Shed in New York City, the event is expected to attract over 1,500 participants. This ambitious agenda marks Ripple’s effort to solidify its influence in the global financial ecosystem.
Converging Blockchain Innovators and Academic Pioneers
For the first time, Swell will merge with the XRP Ledger-focused Apex and the University Blockchain Research Initiative’s (UBRI) Connect conference. Ripple aims to unite leaders from blockchain infrastructure, academia, traditional finance, and technology sectors, reflecting its strategic push into broader domains beyond just cross-border payment solutions. Known for its cutting-edge financial technology, Ripple has consistently driven advancements in digital asset infrastructure.
The announced lineup transcends the cryptocurrency sphere by including high-profile figures from Wall Street, global banking, and academia. Notably, actor and co-founder of Water.org, Matt Damon, will be among the event’s distinguished highlights.
Matt Damon and Gary White will discuss the transformative impact of building financial infrastructure that facilitates faster and more cost-effective money movement.
Spotlight on Philanthropy and Financial Innovation
Matt Damon, representing the non-profit Water.org he co-founded with Gary White in 2009, will participate in a keynote session with Water.org’s CEO. Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, will moderate this essential discussion, which will explore the synergy between Ripple’s platforms and Water.org’s financial model.
Ripple emphasizes that its Payments platform and the dollar-backed RLUSD stablecoin could significantly enhance efficiency in Water.org’s initiatives across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This partnership illustrates Ripple’s mission to bolster financial inclusion through its diverse technological offerings.
Ripple asserts that its Payments platform and RLUSD can significantly boost the effectiveness of Water.org’s operations in global regions.
Wall Street Titans and Financial Sector Leaders Join the Dialogue
The program also features influential figures from the traditional finance sector. Tom Farley, chairman and CEO of the crypto exchange Bullish, will delve into the convergence of cryptocurrencies with conventional finance. As a former president of the New York Stock Exchange, Farley’s insights promise to bring depth to the discussions.
Additionally, Johann Kerbrat, Senior Vice President overseeing Robinhood’s Crypto and International division, will share the stage with Ripple President Monica Long. Laide Majiyagbe, Global Head of BNY Markets, and Billy Hult, Tradeweb CEO, will evaluate shifts in trading infrastructure, liquidity conditions, and other market evolutions.
The diverse lineup underscores Ripple’s intention to transform the Swell event into a significant convergence of finance and technology, highlighting opportunities in payment infrastructure, institutional use cases, and digital transitions across financial systems.
