Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has reaffirmed XRP’s potential role in the U.S. government’s strategic digital asset reserves following the resolution of a years-long legal battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC recently dropped its appeal in the high-profile case, which initially alleged Ripple sold unregistered securities through XRP. The dismissal triggered a 12% price surge for XRP, briefly propelling it past Tether’s USDT to become the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.
Garlinghouse highlighted former President Donald Trump’s public endorsement of XRP as part of a proposed crypto reserve strategy formalized in an early 2025 executive order. While specifics remain unclear, the Ripple CEO suggested seized digital assets could supply XRP for the stockpile. He also anticipates multiple XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) approvals in late 2025, citing over a dozen pending applications from firms like Bitwise and Franklin Templeton. These developments follow the success of XRP-based exchange-traded products in international markets.
Despite recent progress, Garlinghouse emphasized that an initial public offering (IPO) remains a secondary priority for Ripple. The company initially planned to go public in 2020 but postponed due to the SEC lawsuit. While acknowledging IPO possibilities, he stated the focus remains on global payment solutions and regulatory clarity. Analysts suggest a 2026 timeline for a potential IPO, contingent on sustained growth and favorable market conditions.
The SEC’s withdrawal from the Ripple case aligns with a broader regulatory shift, as the agency has also closed investigations into crypto firms like Coinbase, Kraken, and Uniswap Labs. Industry observers view this as a potential turning point for institutional crypto adoption in the U.S., particularly for assets like XRP that facilitate cross-border transactions.
Sources:
Ripple CEO Pushes for XRP in US Reserves, Keeps IPO Option Alive
XRP News: Ripple CEO Teases XRP’s Future in U.S. Strategic Reserve and ETFs After SEC Case Dismissal
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