Ripple’s CEO Brad Garlinghouse made headlines in mid-October 2025 when he firmly declared that XRP remains “central to everything Ripple does.” The statement, reignited discussion about the token’s long-term role in Ripple’s financial ecosystem. After years of facing regulatory uncertainty and skepticism, the message felt like a turning point for XRP and its loyal community. Garlinghouse urged investors and developers to “lock in” on XRP’s growing utility, highlighting its ability to handle 1,500 transactions per second and its low transaction costs. He described XRP as the bridge that connects the growing world of tokenized assets, decentralized finance (DeFi), and cross-border payments. This renewed emphasis on XRP comes after Ripple’s launch of RLUSD, a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin that Garlinghouse called a “game-changer” for on-chain liquidity.
With today’s close of Hidden Road (now Ripple Prime), Ripple has announced 5 major acquisitions in ~2 years (GTreasury last week, Rail in August, Standard Custody in 2024, Metaco in 2023). As we continue to build solutions towards enabling an Internet of Value – I’m reminding you… https://t.co/O5Uub7ulw9
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) October 24, 2025
Adding to the momentum, major asset managers like Grayscale and Bitwise have filed for XRP-based ETFs, with approval deadlines expected between late October and November. These moves are seen as crucial tests for institutional confidence in Ripple’s ecosystem following its regulatory victory against the U.S. SEC in 2023.
Ripple’s renewed focus on XRP is not just symbolic. The company’s $1 billion treasury and recent collaboration with Cardano under Europe’s MiCA regulatory framework signal a larger plan to build compliant financial infrastructure. The MiCA alliance aims to create unified standards for digital assets across Europe, positioning XRP as a bridge between traditional banking and blockchain-based systems.
Although XRP’s price did not immediately spike after Garlinghouse’s remarks hovering around $2.63 the sentiment in the market began to shift. Analysts noted a 2% weekly gain and improving investor confidence, with the relative strength index (RSI) remaining below 70, suggesting room for further upward movement without being overbought.
| Factor | Detail | Market Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Current XRP Price | $2.63 | Neutral, early bullish signs |
| Transaction Speed | 1,500 TPS | Strong utility edge |
| Stablecoin (RLUSD) | Launched | Boosts liquidity and institutional use |
| ETF Filings (Grayscale, Bitwise) | Pending | Potential major catalyst |
| MiCA Collaboration | With Cardano | Strengthens European compliance |
For long-time XRP supporters, this moment represents more than a price discussion, it’s about redemption. Ripple’s ongoing efforts to prove XRP’s utility as a payments and settlement asset have often been overshadowed by years of legal battles. With the SEC case behind it and new partnerships forming, Ripple is rebuilding trust and refocusing attention on what XRP was designed to do, move money efficiently across borders.
Garlinghouse’s “lock-in” phrase, while bold, carries deeper meaning. It’s not about locking funds but locking focus signaling confidence that Ripple’s future growth will continue to revolve around XRP. The company’s strategy now seems to prioritize institutional adoption, regulatory alignment, and integration with tokenized finance markets that are estimated to exceed $4.5 trillion globally by 2030.
XRP’s Comeback From Speculation to Real-World Utility
The renewed optimism around XRP signals a change in how investors view the crypto market. Instead of chasing quick profits, attention is now shifting toward projects that provide real-world value and meet regulatory standards. Ripple and its XRP ecosystem fit perfectly into this new direction. XRP’s strengths include its proven technology, lightning-fast transactions, and increasing adoption by major financial institutions through projects like RLUSD and Europe’s MiCA framework.
XRP’s future largely depends on Ripple’s ability to deliver on its plans. If exchange-traded funds (ETFs) receive approval and the RLUSD stablecoin continues to expand liquidity, XRP could enter a strong growth phase. Some analysts believe that, with widespread adoption by 2026, XRP’s price could reach as high as $10. But if regulatory issues return or investor enthusiasm weakens, the token might settle back around the $2 level for a while.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s recent “lock-in” statement is more than just a confident remark, it reflects Ripple’s determination to make XRP the foundation of its growing financial network. This approach focuses on compliance, scalability, and practical integration into global finance.
XRP’s journey has always been about resilience. From battling lawsuits to earning credibility among traditional financial players, it has proven its staying power. The next phase will show whether Ripple can finally turn its long-term vision into reality transforming XRP from a promising digital asset into a core player in the global financial system.
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About the Author: John Brok
