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- Ripple remains optimistic about clearer U.S. crypto regulations and eventual CLARITY Act progress.
- Brad Garlinghouse says Ripple is now more open to an IPO while continuing its aggressive acquisition strategy.
- Ripple is targeting institutional finance as a major use case for blockchain and the XRP Ledger.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse struck an optimistic tone on the future of crypto regulation, institutional adoption and blockchain infrastructure during the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium, while acknowledging that important hurdles remain in Washington.
His comments covered the stalled CLARITY Act, XRP’s regulatory status, Ripple’s acquisition strategy, the possibility of an IPO and the company’s efforts to connect traditional finance with blockchain technology. He also argued that institutional infrastructure, rather than retail speculation, is increasingly shaping the crypto market.
Ripple Pushes for CLARITY Act Passage
Garlinghouse said the crypto industry has moved from largely resisting regulatory pressure to actively engaging with lawmakers and policymakers. He rejected the idea that crypto companies are opposed to regulation, arguing that clear rules are necessary for the sector to develop in the United States.
Ripple has backed the CLARITY Act, which aims to establish a broader regulatory framework for digital assets. Garlinghouse acknowledged that negotiations have encountered obstacles, particularly around ethics-related provisions, but said he remains hopeful that lawmakers can resolve the disagreements.
He also pointed to optimism among several influential policymakers, including Senator Tim Scott, Senator Cynthia Lummis and White House crypto adviser Patrick Witt.
Garlinghouse additionally defended XRP’s legal position, noting that Ripple holds 75 licenses globally and referencing the federal court ruling that XRP itself is not a security.
Ripple’s IPO Stance Is Becoming More Flexible
Ripple’s financial outlook was another major theme. Garlinghouse said the company expects a record year and projects revenue to more than double year over year, despite challenging market conditions.
The company has also expanded aggressively. Ripple has spent nearly $2.5 billion on acquisitions over the past year and completed approximately $3 billion in shareholder tender offers over two years.
Those moves have fueled speculation about a potential Ripple IPO. Garlinghouse said Ripple has been comfortable operating as a private company, but acknowledged that its position has become more neutral than in the past.
His comments come as major crypto companies increasingly explore public-market opportunities.
XRP Ledger Targets Institutional Finance
Garlinghouse said Ripple’s strategy of connecting TradFi with blockchain, once criticized by parts of the crypto community, is becoming increasingly relevant as institutional participation grows.
The acquisitions of Hidden Road and GTreasury give Ripple exposure to platforms handling an estimated $16 trillion in annual transaction volume. Garlinghouse suggested that moving part of this activity onto the XRP Ledger could improve settlement speed, costs and efficiency.
He also discussed AI and agentic payments, arguing that businesses can use AI to reduce organizational inefficiencies while stressing the importance of safeguards and human accountability.
Garlinghouse’s comments highlight a broader shift in crypto toward regulation, institutional infrastructure and real-world financial applications. For Ripple, the outcome of the CLARITY Act, continued acquisitions and the potential use of the XRP Ledger in large-scale financial markets could prove important to its next phase of growth.
Also Read: Rakuten Wallet Adds XRP as Ripple Expands Crypto Payments Across Asia
Ripple is positioning itself less as a crypto-native disruptor and more as a bridge between blockchain and established finance. Whether that strategy delivers will depend heavily on regulatory clarity and the company’s ability to turn its growing institutional footprint into measurable adoption.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m your translator between the financial Old World and the new frontier of crypto. After a career demystifying economics and markets, I enjoy elucidating crypto – from investment risks to earth-shaking potential. Let’s explore!
