Ripple CEO Advocates Multi-Token Reserve, Challenges Bitcoin Maximalism
1min read Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has advocated for a multi-token approach to the U.S. cryptocurrency reserve, emphasizing the importance of diversity in the digital asset space. In a recent statement, Garlinghouse shared his perspective on cryptocurrency diversity, revealing that he personally holds XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum among other digital assets. His position reflects his belief in a "multichain world" where various cryptocurrencies can coexist and thrive.
The timing of Garlinghouse’s comments follows last week’s announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that his administration would evaluate the creation of a national digital asset stockpile. This development has sparked debate within the cryptocurrency community about which digital assets should be included in such a reserve. Current market sentiment, as reflected on the decentralized betting platform Polymarket, indicates modest expectations for immediate action, with just a 19% probability of Trump announcing a Bitcoin reserve within the first 100 days of his administration.
Garlinghouse specifically addressed the issue of "maximalism" in the cryptocurrency space, describing it as "the enemy of crypto progress." He expressed satisfaction that fewer people are adhering to what he termed "outdated and misinformed thinking" about Bitcoin’s exclusive role in the industry. The debate has drawn responses from prominent figures in the Bitcoin community, with Pierre Rochard, Vice President of Riot Platforms, and Messari CEO Ryan Selkis arguing that Bitcoin’s decentralized nature makes it uniquely qualified for inclusion in a government reserve.
Ripple Labs, under Garlinghouse’s leadership, continues to utilize XRP for facilitating cross-border payments and remittances. The company’s involvement in international money transfers has established it as a player in the financial technology sector. Recent market activity has shown volatility in the XRP price, with the token experiencing a 10% decline to $2.65 on Monday before recovering to $3.09, according to CoinDesk data. This price movement occurred against the backdrop of the ongoing reserve discussion.
Garlinghouse’s stance emphasizes the importance of creating what he calls a "level-playing field" in the cryptocurrency industry. He maintains that any government digital asset reserve should represent the broader industry rather than focusing on a single token. The Ripple CEO’s position challenges the notion of cryptocurrency competition as a zero-sum game 
