Ripple CEO Discusses 6 Major Acquisitions With CNBC

At CNBC’s Swell 2025 coverage, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse sat down with journalist Liz Napolitano to discuss the company’s latest achievements and its outlook amid a changing U.S. regulatory environment.

In a conversation shared by crypto enthusiast BankXRP, Garlinghouse addressed Ripple’s recent acquisitions, the growing importance of its stablecoin RLUSD, and the company’s engagement with pro-innovation policies under President Donald Trump.

Garlinghouse explained that the stablecoin sector is expanding faster than many projections suggest. While major institutions like JPMorgan forecast a $750 billion market, Garlinghouse believes the figure could reach between $3 trillion and $4 trillion, driven by cross-border payments and institutional use cases.

Ripple’s RLUSD, launched less than a year ago, has already surpassed a $1 billion market capitalization. He noted that the company’s focus remains on institutional integration, emphasizing that RLUSD complements existing payment corridors where stablecoins can enhance efficiency alongside XRP.

The Ripple CEO added that RLUSD’s distribution strategy is largely centered on institutional collateral through Ripple Prime, allowing clients to use the token as regulated collateral within prime brokerage operations. This, he said, positions RLUSD as distinct from many retail-focused stablecoins in the market.

Engagement With Pro-Crypto Policy Under President Trump

Garlinghouse also reflected on Ripple’s political involvement and the changing stance of U.S. regulators. He criticized the previous administration’s approach to digital assets, describing it as unnecessarily hostile. Ripple, he explained, backed the FairShake SuperPAC to support candidates from both political parties who favor clear regulatory frameworks and innovation.

Under President Trump, Garlinghouse acknowledged that the policy environment has become more open to digital assets, citing the passage of the Genius Act, which provides guidelines for stablecoin issuance. He expressed optimism that ongoing discussions around the Clarity Act would help define what constitutes a digital asset, a security, or a commodity—an issue that has long affected the broader crypto industry.

U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve and Market Transformation

When asked about discussions around the proposed U.S. “strategic crypto reserve,” Garlinghouse stated that while he had not heard any recent updates, he supports recognizing cryptocurrencies as modern stores of value. He noted that, just as the nation maintains a gold reserve, holding digital assets such as Bitcoin could strengthen the country’s financial position in an increasingly digital economy.

Garlinghouse underscored that the United States, which accounts for 22% of global GDP, is now “leaning in” on crypto under Trump’s leadership, a shift he believes the market has not yet fully appreciated. Ripple’s multi-billion-dollar acquisitions—including G-Treasury and Hidden Road—reflect its strategy to merge traditional financial infrastructure with crypto-enabled solutions, particularly for corporate treasury management.

Ripple’s Financial Strength and IPO Outlook

Addressing questions about a potential initial public offering, Garlinghouse said Ripple would now prioritize a U.S. listing, citing the nation’s deep and efficient capital markets.

However, he clarified that an IPO is not a near-term objective, as the company remains focused on expansion and maintaining a robust balance sheet. Ripple has executed over $2 billion in private share buybacks this year, providing liquidity to early investors while sustaining its capacity for large-scale acquisitions.

Garlinghouse concluded that Ripple’s position in the evolving digital asset landscape is stronger than ever, combining institutional utility, regulatory engagement, and financial resilience.