‘We Think of Stablecoins and XRP As Complementary and Additive’, Says Ripple President

As an experienced financial analyst, I find Monica Long’s insights on Ripple’s current state and future prospects quite intriguing. Her firsthand experience with the company’s ongoing challenges and achievements provides valuable context to the broader crypto landscape.


In a recent chat for episode 38 of The Scoop podcast on The Block, Ripple‘s President Monica Long discussed her perspectives on Ripple’s present situation, future prospects, regulatory challenges, and blockchain technology during an interview with The Block’s Director of Special Projects, Frank Chaparro. Their conversation encompassed various topics such as Ripple’s ongoing legal disputes, business expansion plans, and the evolving crypto regulatory environment and acceptance.

Business Growth and Legal Clarity

Long began by acknowledging the notable advancements since their previous public discourse. She pointed out that in July 2023, Ripple obtained a favorable court ruling in their ongoing case with the SEC, which established that XRP is not classified as a security. According to Long, this judgment granted Ripple the necessary clarity to progress with their business activities within the US. Despite encountering regulatory hurdles, she asserted that Ripple’s business has continued to thrive and broaden its scope beyond cross-border payments to encompass a wider array of blockchain infrastructure services.

Expanding Beyond Payments

Long acknowledged that Ripple’s scope has expanded beyond just facilitating cross-border transactions. Now, the company aspires to be a comprehensive enterprise blockchain infrastructure solution provider. To achieve this goal, they have developed vital infrastructure enabling interoperability between various blockchains and conventional financial systems. This expansion has allowed Ripple to cater to over 80 markets worldwide. The acquisition of Medico, now known as Ripple Custody, has significantly boosted their capabilities in offering custody services. These services are indispensable for their clients involved in payment processing and major banks.

Regulatory Environment and Global Expansion

As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed the ongoing regulatory battles in the U.S., particularly with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In my view, the SEC’s stance seems more focused on enforcement actions than providing clear rules for the crypto industry. However, Ripple has managed to thrive in regions where regulations are more defined, such as Europe, Singapore, and Brazil. These jurisdictions have established regulatory clarity, allowing Ripple to expand its operations and cater to a larger customer base.

The Role of Stablecoins

A substantial portion of the discussion revolved around Ripple’s plan to introduce a USD-backed stablecoin. According to Long, stablecoins and XRP play distinct roles within Ripple’s system. XRP functions as an intermediary asset for currency or token exchanges, while stablecoins are essential for transactions requiring price stability and affordability, such as US Dollars to Euros transfers. Initially, Ripple intends to offer their stablecoin to their existing clientele, which includes payment providers and banks, utilizing their pre-existing connections and infrastructure.

Tokenization and Real-World Assets

As a researcher studying the latest trends in financial markets, I’ve noticed a surge in the exploration of tokenizing real-world assets like securities and money market funds. Ripple’s custody solution seems to be at the forefront of this movement, empowering clients to securely and efficiently tokenize various assets. This growing fascination among large institutions with tokenizing assets is a clear indication that blockchain technology is gaining traction in the conventional financial sector.

Future Opportunities and Innovations

Moving forward, Long showed great enthusiasm about the prospects for advancements and growth within Ripple. She brought up the possibility of introducing a spot XRP Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF), taking note of the court decision that brought clarity to XRP and Bitcoin‘s unique classification as the only two crypto assets in the U.S. with such status. Long also underscored the importance of Ripple’s established infrastructure, making them well-suited to cater to various enterprise applications beyond transactions.

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2024-06-26 00:43