Ripple Collaborated with Fed to Modernize Domestic Payment Systems Since 2015

A newly surfaced document confirms that Ripple, the digital payment solutions provider, has collaborated with the U.S. Federal Reserve to modernize domestic payment systems as of 2015 [1]. This collaboration is part of broader efforts by central banks and monetary authorities to explore blockchain-based solutions for financial infrastructure [1]. The document, shared by crypto researcher SMQKE on X, details Ripple's engagement with institutions including the Bank of England and the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority during the same period [2]. These interactions reflect a shift in the payment industry toward more efficient, modernized systems as traditional infrastructure like SWIFT began to be seen as outdated by 2015 [1].

The document highlights Ripple’s growing influence in the financial sector, supported by significant venture capital funding totaling $93.6 million across nine rounds between 2013 and 2017 [1]. One notable investor, Santander InnoVentures, later implemented Ripple’s technology for cross-border retail payments, further validating Ripple’s role as a key infrastructure provider in the blockchain space [1]. The company also hosted the annual SWELL conference in 2017, featuring high-profile speakers such as former Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke and former U.S. President Bill Clinton, signaling its rising stature in financial and policy circles [1].

The timing of the document's release coincides with the enactment of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act) on July 18, 2025 [3]. This legislation establishes a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, removing them from the definitions of both "securities" and "commodities" under U.S. federal law [3]. Ripple’s engagement with the Fed predates this legislative shift, underscoring the company’s long-standing role in shaping the digital financial landscape [1]. The collaboration suggests that central banks are increasingly open to leveraging private-sector innovations, such as Ripple’s blockchain technology, to enhance the speed, transparency, and resilience of domestic payment systems [1].

From an industry perspective, the renewed attention on Ripple's historical collaboration with the Fed reflects a broader trend of public and private sector cooperation in modernizing financial infrastructure [1]. The Federal Reserve’s interest in blockchain-based solutions signals a recognition of the potential for these technologies to address inefficiencies in traditional payment systems [1]. This aligns with global efforts to digitize financial infrastructure, where central banks are actively engaging with private firms to explore innovative solutions [1]. Ripple’s documented engagement with central banks during this period positions it not only as a cross-border payment solution provider but also as a key player in the evolution of domestic financial systems [2].

The document also notes the influence of XRP’s price appreciation in late 2017 on institutional interest in Ripple [1]. During this period, Ripple’s valuation reportedly surpassed that of nearly every bank on the planet, except possibly twenty, according to an unnamed source cited in the text [1]. This surge in market value coincided with Ripple’s growing visibility at global conferences and policy forums, including SWIFT’s SIBOS and Money2020 [1]. The combination of technological innovation, institutional backing, and market momentum helped solidify Ripple’s position as a major player in the blockchain payment space [1].

As the U.S. financial system continues to evolve, the implications of Ripple’s historical collaboration with the Fed will likely inform future regulatory and technological developments. The release of this document adds to the narrative that Ripple is not only a cross-border payment innovator but also a key contributor to the modernization of domestic financial systems [2]. With the GENIUS Act providing a clearer regulatory environment for stablecoins, the role of companies like Ripple is expected to become increasingly pivotal in shaping the future of digital payments [3].

Source:

[1] The Times, Ripple Collaborated with Fed to Update Domestic Payments, https://timestabloid.com/new-document-ripple-collaborated-with-fed-to-update-domestic-payments/

[2] Zack Ractor (@ZackRa_ctor7), X, https://x.com/ZackRa_ctor7

[3] The, Payment Stablecoins Get "Smart" (or GENIUS-like), https://natlawreview.com/article/payment-stablecoins-get-smart-or-genius

[4] The Economic Times, Trump momentum drives stablecoin urgency in Asian financial hubs, https://m.economictimes.com/markets/cryptocurrency/trump-momentum-drives-stablecoin-urgency-in-asian-financial-hubs/articleshow/123058251.cms