Ripple’s CEO Discusses $2B Buybacks and Growing Institutional Demand in Recent Interview

Ripple's Expanding Role in the Institutional Crypto Market

In an interview with CNBC, shared on X by Andrew De’Vilbiss, Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, revealed that the company has carried out over $2 billion worth of private share buybacks, signaling increasing institutional demand for Ripple’s equity.

The remarks came during a CNBC interview at Ripple’s Swell Conference in New York, where Garlinghouse discussed the company’s rapid expansion and strategic direction in the digital asset market.

Garlinghouse explained that strong investor interest reflects confidence in Ripple’s long-term vision. Despite not requiring additional capital, Ripple recently raised $500 million, lifting its valuation to $40 billion. According to Ripple President Monica Long, the funding round was driven by institutional investors eager to gain exposure to Ripple’s expanding fintech operations.

Ripple has diversified its business beyond payments, entering crypto asset custody, prime brokerage, and corporate treasury management. Long emphasized that these developments align with Ripple’s goal of offering efficient, compliant blockchain solutions for institutional clients seeking modernized financial infrastructure.

In the interview, Garlinghouse highlighted the progress of Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD, which launched less than a year ago and has already surpassed $1 billion in market capitalization.

He explained that RLUSD focuses on institutional use cases and can serve as regulatory collateral through Ripple Prime, the company’s prime brokerage platform. By integrating RLUSD into payment flows, Ripple aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in cross-border settlements.

Brad Garlinghouse also noted the improving U.S. regulatory environment under President Donald Trump, calling it a more constructive era for digital asset innovation. Ripple continues to engage actively in policy discussions, particularly through its support of the Fair Shake Super PAC, which backs lawmakers advocating for innovation and clearer crypto regulation.

Strategic Acquisitions and Future Outlook

Ripple’s aggressive acquisition strategy, valued at over $4 billion, has reinforced its position across the financial landscape. Notable deals such as Hidden Road and G-Treasury have expanded Ripple’s reach into prime brokerage and treasury management, enabling the company to connect traditional finance with blockchain-powered solutions.

Garlinghouse emphasized that Ripple’s immediate focus remains on growth and expansion rather than going public. While a U.S. IPO remains a future possibility, he pointed out that the company’s strong financial base and sustained institutional interest provide the stability needed to continue scaling.

Ripple’s ongoing investments and strategic acquisitions position it as a key player driving the next phase of digital asset adoption in institutional finance.