Ripple CEO Hints at Scaling Back XRP Sales Amid Industry Shifts
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has stirred fresh discussions in the cryptocurrency space, hinting that the company might scale back its XRP sales in the future. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Garlinghouse addressed the ongoing criticism Ripple faces regarding its XRP holdings and sales strategy.
"You know, at some point, maybe we won’t be selling as much," Garlinghouse remarked, responding to concerns about Ripple’s significant control over XRP’s supply. Currently, Ripple owns approximately 42% of the total 99.9 billion XRP in circulation—a figure that has long been a point of contention among industry watchers.
Pushing Back Against Critics
Garlinghouse didn’t hold back when discussing Ripple’s detractors, accusing them of spreading “falsehoods” about the company. He noted the irony of Ripple being criticized both for owning too much XRP and for selling portions of it, highlighting the challenge of balancing business strategy with market perception.
Ripple Gains Momentum in Legal Battles
Beyond the discussion of XRP sales, Garlinghouse expressed confidence in Ripple’s current position, particularly after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dropped its appeal against the company. The regulatory body initially filed the appeal in October under former Chair Gary Gensler’s leadership. With this legal hurdle cleared, Garlinghouse stated that Ripple now finds itself in a more favorable position.
"It feels a lot better to be on the offense than on the defense," he commented, signaling a shift in Ripple’s approach toward regulatory battles. However, Ripple has not backed down from its own cross-appeal against the SEC, ensuring that the legal saga is far from over.
RLUSD: The Next Big Stablecoin?
Looking ahead, Ripple has ambitious plans for its newly launched stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD). Garlinghouse revealed the company’s goal of pushing RLUSD into the top five stablecoins by the end of the year, anticipating rapid growth in this sector.
Ripple’s stablecoin recently secured a listing on LMAX Digital, a major institutional exchange, marking a significant step in its expansion. With increasing regulatory clarity and strategic growth moves, Ripple is positioning itself as a dominant force in the evolving crypto landscape.
The Road Ahead
As Ripple navigates its legal victories, strategic shifts, and market ambitions, the company’s next moves will be closely watched. Whether it’s scaling back XRP sales, pushing RLUSD to new heights, or maintaining its aggressive stance in legal battles, Ripple’s influence on the cryptocurrency industry remains undeniable.