XRP News Today: Google’s GCUL Emerges as XRP Faces Blockchain Battleground

Google's recent launch of the Google Cloud Universal Ledger (GCUL) has reignited discussions about the competitive landscape for blockchain-based cross-border payment solutions, particularly for XRP. GCUL, a Layer-1 blockchain, is designed similarly to the XRP Ledger (XRPL), with a primary focus on enabling fast, efficient, and secure cross-border transactions for banks and financial institutions. The Google project, currently in beta and expected to launch in 2026, represents a potential challenge to XRP’s position in the space [1].

While GCUL and XRPL share similarities, such as facilitating low-cost, near-instant transaction settlements, there are key differences. GCUL is a private, permissioned blockchain, whereas the XRP Ledger is a public, permissionless blockchain. This distinction is important because, to date, financial institutions have shown a preference for private blockchains due to perceived lower liability and risk. Additionally, unlike XRP, GCUL does not have an associated token. Instead, it may rely on stablecoins or tokens issued by financial institutions to facilitate value transfers. This approach could mitigate the volatility risks associated with XRP, a key consideration for institutions handling large-value transactions [1].

The development of GCUL underscores the growing convergence of blockchain, fintech, and Web3 technologies, with major tech companies like Google expanding into financial infrastructure. Although GCUL may not pose an immediate threat to XRP, its emergence highlights the potential for alternative solutions to erode XRP’s market dominance. This competition could lead to increased scrutiny of XRP’s long-term value, particularly if institutional adoption of competing blockchains gains momentum [1].

On a positive note for XRP, the recent resolution of the long-standing SEC lawsuit in favor of Ripple Labs has provided regulatory clarity and reduced legal uncertainty for investors. The lawsuit, which began in 2020, questioned whether XRP qualified as a security under U.S. law. In a landmark ruling in July 2023, Judge Analisa Torres concluded that XRP itself is not a security in programmatic (public) sales, though institutional sales were deemed to have violated securities law. Ripple’s legal victory, supported in part by the efforts of the "XRP Army"—a coalition of tokenholders who submitted affidavits and engaged in advocacy—has been a significant win for the XRP ecosystem [4].

The impact of the SEC lawsuit was immediately reflected in XRP’s price. Following the July 2023 ruling, the token surged by 72%, rising from $0.47 to $0.81. Although XRP experienced subsequent volatility, it reached a peak of $3.35 in early 2025 before retracing to around $2.85. Analysts have noted that the resolution of the legal dispute, combined with growing institutional interest in the XRP Ledger, could position XRP for continued growth, with some forecasts suggesting the token could reach $15–$20 by 2030 [3].

Looking ahead, XRP’s future will depend heavily on its ability to maintain and expand its role in institutional finance. Ripple has emphasized the XRP Ledger’s advantages, including low transaction costs, fast settlement times, and integrated compliance tools. These features are particularly attractive to financial institutions seeking to modernize cross-border payment systems. However, with new entrants like GCUL entering the space, XRP must continue to innovate and demonstrate its value to remain competitive [1].

Source: [1] Is Google Developing an XRP Killer? (https://www.fool.com/investing/2025/09/05/is-google-developing-an-xrp-killer/) [2] Is XRP the Smartest Cryptocurrency to Buy With $1000 ... (https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/xrp-smartest-cryptocurrency-buy-1000-right-now) [3] Best Altcoins to Buy as Bitcoin Halving Approaches (https://en.bitcoinsistemi.com/best-altcoins-to-buy-as-bitcoin-halving-approaches-ada-xrp-and-sol-in-focus/) [4] XRP Army made a difference in Ripple's SEC lawsuit (https://cointelegraph.com/news/xrp-army-helped-ripple-win-sec-lawsuit) [5] What Is XRP vs SEC: Crypto Lawsuit Explained (https://www.bitget.com/wiki/what-is-xrp-vs-sec) [6] Attorney claims the XRP Army influenced Judge Torres' ... (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1094412-20250904)