XRP News Today: Solana's Stablecoin Gambit Sparks XRP Rivalry in Remittance Race

Western Union's recent decision to partner with Solana for a new stablecoin has sparked debate about the cryptocurrency industry's competitive dynamics, with some analysts suggesting the move reflects an unspoken apprehension toward XRP's growing influence. The remittance giant, which historically tested Ripple's XRP for cross-border transactions from 2015 to 2018, announced in October 2025 that it will issue a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin (USDPT) on Solana's blockchain. CEO Devin McGranahan cited Solana's speed, low fees, and institutional readiness as the primary reasons for the choice, despite XRP's long-standing role in real-time payments, according to a CoinEdition report.

The shift underscores a broader trend in the financial sector. Western Union, like peers such as MoneyGram and Remitly, is increasingly adopting blockchain to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Solana's stablecoin settlement system aligns with the company's goal to minimize reliance on correspondent banks and streamline cross-border flows, as noted in a Yahoo Finance report. However, the decision to bypass XRP-a technology it once piloted-has drawn attention. Critics argue that Western Union's preference for Solana may stem from strategic considerations, such as retaining control over transaction fees, which could be diluted if it adopted XRP's near-zero-cost model, a point highlighted by the CoinEdition piece.

Meanwhile, XRP itself has shown robust growth. In Q3 2025, the token surged 27.2% to $2.85, outperforming Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana combined in market capitalization gains. The XRP Ledger also saw a 215% quarterly rise in real-world asset (RWA) market capitalization, reaching $364.2 million, driven by tokenized treasuries and commercial paper, according to a Mesarri report. Analysts like Nate Geraci of Novadax Wealth have highlighted this momentum as a catalyst for potential XRP ETFs, predicting inflows could surpass those of the recently launched Bitwise Solana Staking ETF, which recorded $55.4 million in Day 1 trading volume, per a Coinotag report.

The Solana ETF's success has emboldened optimism for XRP's regulatory prospects. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) recent clarity on stablecoin rules, exemplified by the GENIUS Act, has eased adoption hurdles for traditional firms, as noted by Yahoo Finance. With XRP's ecosystem expanding-bolstered by partnerships with Evernorth and a record $1 billion corporate treasury purchase-investors are betting on its readiness for mainstream financial integration, according to a Coindesk report.

Despite this, Solana's public stance against XRP's "bridge currency" model has intensified rivalry. In October, Solana's official X account mocked the concept, U.Today reported, emphasizing its own stablecoin infrastructure. Such posturing highlights the strategic tension between the two blockchains, as both vie for dominance in the remittance sector.

The CME Group's record open interest in XRP and Solana futures-surpassing $3 billion-further underscores institutional confidence in both assets, according to a Coin-Turk analysis. As the crypto market matures, the interplay between technological innovation, regulatory alignment, and corporate strategy will likely shape the next phase of adoption for XRP and Solana.