XLM's Emerging Utility-Driven Edge: Can Stellar Outperform XRP in the Post-Remittix Era?

In the rapidly evolving cross-border payments sector, Stellar (XLM) and Ripple (XRP) have long been titans, but the emergence of Remittix (RTX) has introduced a new dynamic. While XRP's institutional adoption and regulatory clarity position it as a stable contender, XLM's utility-driven initiatives—rooted in financial inclusion and real-world asset (RWA) integration—suggest a compelling case for outperforming its rival in the post-Remittix era.

XLM's Utility-Driven Momentum

Stellar's value proposition in 2025 is anchored in its ability to bridge traditional finance with decentralized infrastructure. A pivotal development was its integration of PayPal's stablecoin, PYUSD, in July 2025, which catalyzed network activity and solidified Stellar's role as a cost-effective platform for institutional financeStellar XLM is scaling cross-border payments^[1]. This collaboration enabled sub-second settlement times and ultra-low fees, critical for cross-border transactions. Additionally, Stellar has become a hub for RWA tokenization, with over $500 million in tokenized U.S. Treasuries deployed, further enhancing its appeal to institutional playersStellar XLM is scaling cross-border payments^[1].

The Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) has also prioritized global expansion, appointing José Fernández da Ponte—formerly PayPal's blockchain lead—to lead adoption effortsStellar XLM is scaling cross-border payments^[1]. These moves underscore Stellar's focus on financial inclusion, particularly in underserved regions where its on-chain exchange engine facilitates fiat-to-XLM conversions with minimal feesStellar XLM is scaling cross-border payments^[1]. Technical upgrades, such as the Soroban smart contract platform, aim to scale transaction throughput to 5,000 per second, positioning Stellar for high-volume DeFi applicationsStellar XLM is scaling cross-border payments^[1].

XRP's Institutional Traction and Regulatory Clarity

Ripple's XRP has benefited from a landmark regulatory settlement in August 2025, where the SEC dropped its appeals, affirming that XRP sold on secondary markets is not a securityXRP in 2025: Regulatory Shifts, Market Surprises, and Bold Price Predictions^[2]. This clarity has spurred institutional adoption, with RippleNet expanding partnerships with Santander and BNY Mellon to process $1.3 trillion in Q2 2025XRP in 2025: Regulatory Shifts, Market Surprises, and Bold Price Predictions^[2]. The ProShares Ultra XRP ETF, launched in July 2025, further signals institutional confidence, with analysts projecting $4.3–$8.4 billion in inflows by year-endXRP in 2025: Regulatory Shifts, Market Surprises, and Bold Price Predictions^[2].

However, XRP's focus on institutional corridors—such as its On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service—leaves it less attuned to retail and small-business users, a segment where Remittix (RTX) is gaining tractionXRP, RTX and XLM price predictions: Payment token guide for gains in 2025^[3]. While XRP's market cap and regulatory tailwinds provide stability, its growth potential may be constrained by its niche in the institutional space.

The Remittix Challenge: A New Paradigm

Remittix's rise as a flat-fee, user-centric platform has disrupted the status quo. With a $25.2 million presale and aggressive exchange listings on BitMart and LBank, RTX offers real-time crypto-to-fiat transfers to bank accounts in 30+ countriesXRP, RTX and XLM price predictions: Payment token guide for gains in 2025^[3]. Its beta wallet, launched in September 2025, supports multi-chain transactions and real-time FX conversion, directly targeting the $19 trillion remittance marketXRP, RTX and XLM price predictions: Payment token guide for gains in 2025^[3]. Analysts project an 800% price surge for RTX, driven by its 0.1% fee model and 15% referral rewardsXRP, RTX and XLM price predictions: Payment token guide for gains in 2025^[3].

Yet, XLM's existing infrastructure—such as its partnerships with MoneyGram and IBM's World Wire—provides a broader foundation for adoption. Unlike RTX, which is still scaling, Stellar's network already processes $450 million in annualized volume and handles $17 billion in on-chain transactionsStellar XLM is scaling cross-border payments^[1]. This established utility, combined with its RWA tokenization capabilities, positions XLM as a more scalable solution for both institutional and retail users.

Comparative Analysis: XLM vs. XRP in Emerging Markets

In emerging markets, XLM's grassroots approach has proven more adaptable. For instance, Stellar's integration with NGOs and fintech apps in underbanked regions has enabled micropayments and remittances at a fraction of traditional costsStellar XLM is scaling cross-border payments^[1]. XRP, while efficient for large-scale settlements, lacks the same level of accessibility for individual users.

Data from Q3 2025 indicates that Stellar's transaction volumes in emerging markets grew 12% quarter-over-quarter, outpacing XRP's institutional-focused growthGlobal Payments Trends 2025: Wallets, AI & CBDCs^[4]. This trend aligns with the World Bank's projection that digital remittances will reach $905 billion in 2024, driven by platforms prioritizing speed and transparencyGlobal Payments Trends 2025: Wallets, AI & CBDCs^[4].

Conclusion: XLM's Long-Term Viability

While XRP's regulatory clarity and ETF potential offer short-term stability, XLM's utility-driven initiatives—spanning RWA tokenization, fiat onramps, and financial inclusion—position it as a stronger long-term contender. Stellar's ability to serve both institutional and retail users, coupled with its technical upgrades, creates a dual advantage over XRP and Remittix. As the cross-border payments sector evolves, XLM's focus on real-world adoption and decentralized infrastructure may ultimately outpace its rivals.