TLDR
- XRP continues to play a key role in cross-border payments despite the rise of stablecoins.
- Ripple’s shift towards stablecoins with the RLUSD token has sparked debates about XRP’s future.
- Experts argue that stablecoins cannot replace XRP’s function as a bridge asset in global payments.
- Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse reaffirmed that the company remains committed to XRP.
- XRP’s decentralized nature and liquidity bridging capabilities keep it relevant in cross-border transactions.
Ripple (XRP) continues to play a vital role in cross-border payments despite the rise of stablecoins. Ripple, the company behind XRP, has faced competition as stablecoins gain popularity in the market. Stablecoins promise low volatility and price stability, qualities XRP has struggled to maintain. However, experts argue that stablecoins cannot replace XRP’s core functionality in cross-border transactions.
Ripple’s Strategy Shift and Stablecoin Adoption
Vibhu Norby, Head of Product Marketing at the Solana Foundation, recently discussed Ripple’s shift in focus. He pointed out Ripple’s pivot towards stablecoins with the launch of its RLUSD token. Norby noted, “Ripple is trying to adapt to the growing stablecoin market,” but he remains skeptical about its long-term success. He emphasized that 90% of RLUSD supply is not even on the XRP Ledger.
Despite the pivot towards stablecoins, Norby acknowledged Ripple’s past success. He commended Ripple for its strong leadership and business acumen. However, he believes the shift is a reaction to Ripple being behind in the stablecoin sector.
Paul Barron, host of the Paul Barron Network, responded to Norby’s remarks by highlighting Ripple’s achievements. Barron pointed out that RLUSD already holds a market value of $1 billion. He believes Ripple is building a comprehensive financial infrastructure that includes XRP’s role.
XRP’s Continued Relevance in Cross-Border Payments
Brad Kimes of Digital Perspectives believes XRP will remain relevant even as stablecoins rise. He predicts that G20 nations will eventually issue sovereign stablecoins or central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) on the XRP Ledger. Kimes stated, “XRP will act as a bridge asset to connect different currencies,” as liquidity grows on the XRP Ledger.
Kimes argued that XRP will gain adoption as more liquidity flows into the network. He explained that while stablecoins could offer stability, they cannot solve liquidity challenges in cross-border payments. XRP’s role as a bridge asset will remain crucial for enabling efficient cross-border transactions.
Molly Elmore from Valhil Capital shared a similar viewpoint. She argued that stablecoins alone cannot solve the Triffin Dilemma.
“Sovereign stablecoins still face the same issue of being both a global reserve and an everyday currency,” Elmore said.
She explained that the Triffin Dilemma arises when a currency tries to fulfill two contradictory roles. Elmore emphasized that stablecoins digitize the issue without resolving it. She also pointed out that stablecoins, despite their price stability, are often centralized, unlike XRP, which operates on a decentralized network.
Despite the growing stablecoin market, XRP’s decentralized nature gives it an edge. Ripple’s technology allows XRP to function as a bridge asset between different digital currencies. As the global economy shifts towards digital currencies, XRP’s role as a liquidity connector remains indispensable.
Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, has repeatedly stated that Ripple has not abandoned XRP. He reassured the community that the company’s long-term vision remains centered on the XRP Ledger. Ripple’s commitment to XRP is clear, even as it expands its offerings in the stablecoin space.
XRP’s ability to bridge liquidity gaps and provide fast, low-cost transactions ensures its relevance in the future of cross-border payments. The stablecoin market may continue to grow, but XRP’s unique functionality cannot be easily replaced.


