Blockchain payments leader Ripple has strengthened its regulatory footprint in the United States by securing money transmitter licenses in two major states: New York and Texas. The milestone, announced on January 27, 2025, marks a significant advancement in Ripple’s mission to deliver compliant, efficient cross-border payment solutions to U.S. financial institutions and customers.
With these latest approvals, Ripple Labs now holds more than 50 money transmitter licenses across federal and state jurisdictions nationwide. This broad licensing framework enables Ripple to legally operate and scale its blockchain-based financial infrastructure, reinforcing trust among institutional partners and regulators alike.
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A Strategic Vision for U.S. Crypto Reserves: Beyond Bitcoin Maximalism
In a bold move that sparked industry-wide discussion, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse publicly opposed the idea of a U.S. strategic reserve focused exclusively on Bitcoin (BTC). Instead, he advocated for a diversified, multi-crypto reserve that reflects the full breadth of innovation within the digital asset ecosystem.
Garlinghouse emphasized unity over division in a widely shared post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
"Some thoughts on maximalism… let me say this as clearly as I can – the crypto industry has a real shot, here and now, to achieve the many goals we have in common, IF we work together instead of tearing each other down. This is not, and never will be, a zero-sum game."
He revealed personal holdings in XRP, BTC, and ETH—along with several other tokens—underscoring his belief in a pluralistic approach to digital assets. Rather than betting on a single blockchain or protocol, Garlinghouse argued that national policy should support a representative basket of cryptocurrencies to foster innovation, competition, and financial resilience.
His comments come amid growing political momentum around the concept of a U.S. digital asset stockpile. While some policymakers have pushed for a Bitcoin-only reserve—echoing proposals associated with former President Donald Trump—Garlinghouse urged leaders to consider the broader technological landscape.
Why a Multi-Crypto Approach Makes Sense
A diversified crypto reserve aligns with modern portfolio theory and risk management principles. Relying solely on one asset, even one as established as Bitcoin, exposes the system to concentration risk. By including assets like Ethereum (ETH), known for its smart contract capabilities, and XRP, optimized for fast and low-cost international settlements, the U.S. could build a more resilient and functionally diverse digital treasury.
Moreover, such an approach sends a strong signal: the U.S. government recognizes blockchain innovation beyond just store-of-value narratives. It supports utility-driven blockchains that power real-world applications in finance, supply chain, identity verification, and decentralized applications.
XRP Surges Amid Regulatory Wins and Market Momentum
The news cycle surrounding Ripple’s licensing success and Garlinghouse’s policy stance coincided with strong market performance for XRP. Over a 24-hour period, XRP surged over 6%, outperforming all other top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. At press time, it was trading at $3.11, outpacing even Cardano (ADA), which gained 5% during the same window.
This rally reflects renewed investor confidence driven by:
- Regulatory clarity: The New York and Texas licenses signal growing acceptance of Ripple’s compliance-first model.
- Institutional adoption: Banks and payment providers are increasingly integrating RippleNet for faster cross-border transactions.
- Market sentiment: Positive macro trends, including broader crypto market gains (up over 3% across the board), amplified XRP’s momentum.
CoinMarketCap data confirms a healthy uptick in overall market valuation, suggesting that regulatory progress and strategic advocacy are translating into tangible price action.
👉 Explore how top-performing cryptos are gaining traction in 2025
Ripple’s Growing Influence in Global Payments Infrastructure
Ripple has long positioned itself as a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain innovation. Its flagship product, RippleNet, connects banks, payment providers, and digital asset exchanges through a unified network that enables near-instant, transparent, and low-cost international money transfers.
Unlike many blockchain firms focused solely on speculation or decentralized apps, Ripple targets real-world utility. Its On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) solution uses XRP as a bridge currency to eliminate pre-funded nostro accounts—reducing capital requirements and increasing operational efficiency for financial institutions.
Countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America have already adopted Ripple’s technology to modernize remittance flows. With expanded U.S. licensing, the company is now better positioned to bring those efficiencies to domestic and transatlantic corridors.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does a money transmitter license allow Ripple to do?
A: A money transmitter license permits Ripple to legally facilitate the transfer of funds across state lines and internationally under state regulatory oversight. It ensures compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, enabling trust-based partnerships with banks and fintechs.
Q: Why did Brad Garlinghouse oppose a Bitcoin-only strategic reserve?
A: Garlinghouse believes that focusing only on Bitcoin limits the potential of the broader crypto ecosystem. He advocates for a diversified reserve that includes multiple innovative blockchains like Ethereum and XRP, reflecting the variety of use cases beyond digital gold.
Q: How many U.S. licenses does Ripple currently hold?
A: Ripple now holds more than 50 money transmitter licenses across various U.S. states and territories, giving it one of the most extensive compliance frameworks among blockchain companies.
Q: Did XRP’s price react to the licensing news?
A: Yes. XRP rose over 6% within 24 hours of the announcement, becoming the top performer among the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market cap, fueled by positive sentiment around regulatory progress.
Q: Could the U.S. really create a strategic crypto reserve?
A: While no formal program exists yet, high-level discussions—including proposals linked to political figures like Donald Trump—have brought the idea into mainstream policy debate. Ripple’s advocacy highlights the importance of inclusivity and technological diversity if such a reserve moves forward.
Q: Is Ripple’s technology used outside the U.S.?
A: Yes. RippleNet is actively used in over 30 countries, particularly in regions where fast, affordable remittances are critical. Partners include major financial institutions in Japan, India, Brazil, and the Middle East.
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