The financial world is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by blockchain technology and digital assets. In a recent episode of Conversations with Leaders, host Sam North sat down with Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, and Yoni Assia, CEO of eToro, to explore how cryptocurrencies like XRP are reshaping the future of global payments. The discussion delved into Ripple’s core mission, the evolving regulatory landscape, and the growing role of institutional adoption in mainstream finance.
At the heart of the conversation was Ripple’s vision: to create a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective global payment infrastructure using blockchain technology. Unlike traditional cross-border transactions that can take days and involve multiple intermediaries, Ripple’s network enables near-instant settlements across borders — all powered by its native digital asset, XRP.
The Role of XRP in Modern Finance
XRP is more than just a cryptocurrency; it serves as a bridge currency within RippleNet, Ripple’s global payments network. By using XRP as a liquidity tool, financial institutions can eliminate the need for pre-funded nostro accounts, significantly reducing capital requirements and transaction costs.
Brad Garlinghouse emphasized that XRP plays a critical role in enabling real-time, on-demand liquidity. This is especially valuable for banks and payment providers operating in emerging markets where access to U.S. dollars or other major currencies may be limited or expensive.
“We’re not trying to replace central banks or sovereign currencies,” Garlinghouse clarified. “We’re building infrastructure that makes existing financial systems work better — faster, cheaper, and more sustainably.”
This utility-focused approach differentiates XRP from many other digital assets that are primarily speculative in nature. As regulatory scrutiny increases worldwide, assets with clear use cases — like XRP — are gaining favor among institutions seeking compliant innovation.
Regulatory Clarity and Market Confidence
One of the most pressing topics discussed was regulation. The ongoing SEC lawsuit against Ripple has been a major point of contention in the crypto industry. However, recent developments have signaled a shift toward greater legal clarity.
Garlinghouse expressed optimism about the outcome, noting that Ripple has always operated with compliance in mind. He stressed that clear regulations are essential not only for innovation but also for investor protection and market integrity.
The broader market has responded positively to signs of regulatory progress. Institutional interest in digital assets has grown steadily, with stablecoins and utility tokens like XRP playing an increasingly important role in treasury management, remittances, and cross-border trade.
Institutional Adoption: The Next Frontier
Both Garlinghouse and Assia agree that widespread institutional adoption will be the key driver of crypto’s next growth phase. Already, dozens of banks and payment providers across Asia, Africa, and Latin America use RippleNet to streamline operations.
For example, SBI Remit in Japan and Indah Cash in Indonesia leverage Ripple’s technology to deliver fast, low-cost remittance services to millions of unbanked and underbanked individuals. These real-world applications demonstrate the tangible impact blockchain can have on financial inclusion.
Moreover, central banks are exploring digital currencies (CBDCs), many of which could eventually interoperate with private-sector solutions like RippleNet. This convergence could pave the way for a hybrid financial system — one that blends public and private innovations for maximum efficiency.
Stablecoins and the Future of Digital Assets
Yoni Assia highlighted the rising importance of stablecoins in bridging traditional finance with the crypto economy. Pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar, stablecoins offer price stability while enabling instant transfers across blockchains.
However, he cautioned that not all stablecoins are created equal. Transparency, reserve backing, and regulatory compliance must be prioritized to maintain trust. In this context, regulated stablecoins issued by financial institutions — potentially integrated with networks like RippleNet — represent a safer path forward.
As digital asset ecosystems mature, interoperability becomes crucial. Assets like XRP can serve as connectors between different blockchains and financial systems, facilitating seamless value transfer regardless of geography or currency type.
Challenges and Leadership in a Volatile Industry
Leading in the crypto space requires resilience. Market volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and public skepticism present ongoing challenges. Yet both leaders stressed the importance of long-term thinking.
“Short-term noise shouldn’t distract from long-term value,” said Garlinghouse. “The fundamentals of blockchain — transparency, efficiency, decentralization — remain stronger than ever.”
Building trust takes time, especially when introducing disruptive technologies. Education, transparency, and consistent execution are vital for earning the confidence of users, partners, and regulators alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Ripple’s main goal?
A: Ripple aims to modernize global payments by enabling fast, low-cost cross-border transactions through its blockchain-based network, RippleNet.
Q: How does XRP contribute to faster payments?
A: XRP acts as a bridge currency for liquidity, allowing financial institutions to settle transactions instantly without pre-funding accounts in foreign currencies.
Q: Is XRP legal to use amid ongoing regulations?
A: Yes. While regulatory discussions continue, XRP remains operational globally and is used by numerous financial institutions within compliant frameworks.
Q: Can individuals invest in XRP?
A: Yes. XRP is available on various regulated cryptocurrency exchanges for trading and investment purposes.
Q: How does Ripple differ from traditional SWIFT transfers?
A: Ripple offers near-instant settlement (3-5 seconds) compared to SWIFT’s 2–5 business days, with significantly lower fees and greater transparency.
Q: Will CBDCs replace cryptocurrencies like XRP?
A: Not necessarily. Central bank digital currencies may coexist with utility tokens like XRP, potentially integrating with them for cross-border interoperability.
The dialogue between Garlinghouse and Assia underscores a pivotal moment in financial history — one where blockchain technology is no longer theoretical but actively transforming how value moves around the world.
With growing adoption, clearer regulations, and increasing demand for efficient payment solutions, the foundation is being laid for a more inclusive and interconnected financial future.
As leaders continue to innovate with purpose, assets like XRP stand at the forefront of a payments revolution — not just changing how we transfer money, but who gets access to it.