XRP News Today: Ripple CEO Dismisses Circle Acquisition Rumors, Focuses on RLUSD and Real Estate Tokenization

In a closed-door session in Las Vegas, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse joined renowned academic and digital finance thought leader Chris Brummer on stage to discuss the evolving strategy of Ripple and the broader implications for the crypto industry. Brummer shared a detailed breakdown of the discussion, which has stirred considerable interest within the XRP community and beyond.

Brummer, known for his insights into financial regulation and tokenization, summarized Garlinghouse’s remarks. According to him, the Ripple chief made it clear that the firm had not pursued an acquisition of Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin. There had been previous market speculation that Ripple had floated a $10 billion offer for Circle, but Garlinghouse unequivocally dismissed that claim. However, Brummer noted that Garlinghouse left room for interpretation, possibly suggesting that while Ripple didn’t offer $10 billion, some level of exploratory engagement might have occurred. Regardless, Garlinghouse’s main point was unmistakable: Ripple has no current plans to acquire Circle, and his sentiments toward the firm were respectful but detached.

One of the most intriguing takeaways from the session was Garlinghouse’s vision for RLUSD, Ripple’s U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin. Brummer emphasized that RLUSD is not merely another stablecoin offering in an increasingly crowded space, but represents a foundational element in Ripple’s broader infrastructure play. Specifically, the stablecoin is expected to serve as on-ledger collateral for transactions, with all activities recorded immutably on the XRP Ledger. This aligns with Ripple’s longstanding commitment to building institutional-grade financial infrastructure, rather than chasing speculative hype cycles. By embedding RLUSD into the XRP Ledger as native collateral, Ripple is taking steps to enable seamless, transparent, and programmable financial services that can scale across both crypto-native and traditional financial markets.

Garlinghouse also revealed that Ripple is currently engaged in meaningful conversations with authorities around tokenized real estate projects. This initiative is already in motion, not just a conceptual pitch. Tokenization, often discussed in abstract terms, is taking on a tangible, pragmatic shape in jurisdictions where regulatory frameworks are more conducive to experimentation and implementation. The focus on high-value real estate assets underscores Ripple’s strategy to target prime asset classes in its tokenization endeavors. By doing so, Ripple is not only positioning the XRP Ledger as a viable platform for real-world assets but also strengthening its appeal to institutional investors looking to bridge traditional finance with blockchain-based efficiencies.

The session also took a philosophical turn as Garlinghouse addressed the often-toxic culture within the crypto ecosystem. He criticized the ongoing trend of crypto projects publicly disparaging one another, warning that such behavior undermines the credibility of the entire industry. In a symbolic gesture, Ripple recently donated a replica of the Satoshi Nakamoto skull to the Bitcoin community, an act Garlinghouse described as a sincere effort to promote unity, not a marketing stunt. Brummer interpreted this gesture as an important diplomatic move, especially in an environment where tribalism often eclipses collaborative progress. Garlinghouse’s remarks struck a chord with many in the audience, particularly members of the XRP Army, who have long felt marginalized by other crypto factions despite Ripple’s pivotal role in shaping the regulatory and financial contours of blockchain adoption.

In a rare moment of candor, Garlinghouse recounted his interactions with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), offering a glimpse into the personal toll the agency’s lawsuit against Ripple has taken. While he refrained from litigating the details publicly, Brummer observed a noticeable emotional intensity in his words, a reminder that the high-stakes legal battles playing out involve real people, not just corporate entities or faceless institutions. The SEC’s case against Ripple, which began in December 2020, has had far-reaching implications for the regulatory classification of digital assets. Judge Analisa Torres’ ruling was a partial victory for Ripple and the crypto industry. However, the case is not yet over.

The overarching theme of Garlinghouse’s message was that Ripple is not aiming to supplant traditional finance, but rather to integrate with it. As Brummer eloquently put it, Ripple is betting on a hybridized financial future—one where tokenized assets, stablecoins, and legacy banking institutions coexist and interoperate fluidly. This vision has profound implications for Ripple’s strategic direction. Instead of acquiring the next decentralized exchange or meme-coin platform, Ripple is likely to target key TradFi touchpoints: fiat on-ramps, payment processors, prime brokerages, and other core infrastructure providers. These are not merely “picks and shovels,” but the vital bridges that will connect the old financial world with the emerging decentralized paradigm.

As expected, the XRP community has responded. Many members of the XRP Army took to X to express support for Ripple’s long-term vision, praising Garlinghouse’s clarity and strategic foresight. However, some raised questions about the position of the XRP token in the ecosystem and whether the token is being implemented as a bridge currency as portrayed. In an industry often driven by hype, volatility, and short-term thinking, Ripple’s consistent focus on infrastructure, regulation, and institutional collaboration stands out. The revelations from Garlinghouse’s conversation with Chris Brummer not only reaffirm Ripple’s core strategy but also offer a compelling preview of the future it envisions—a future where XRP, and the ledger it powers, play a central role in global finance.