XRP: Ripple CEO Urges Lawmakers to Back Crypto Innovation

XRP took center stage as Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse presented a compelling case for smarter crypto regulation during a recent testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. This pivotal moment underscores Ripple’s continued advocacy for a balanced and innovation-friendly regulatory framework.

Garlinghouse emphasized the urgent need for Congress to adopt legislation that promotes technological progress while maintaining adequate consumer protections. He shared that Ripple has always prioritized a “compliance-first” strategy — a testament to the company’s responsible stance in an industry often criticized for its regulatory gaps.

The Ripple CEO argued for what he referred to as “principled and intelligent regulation,” which should center around three foundational pillars: effective market oversight, concrete consumer safeguards, and support for innovation. According to him, the U.S. has the opportunity to set global standards in crypto, thanks to its deep capital markets, robust talent pool, and long-standing culture of innovation.

However, Garlinghouse didn’t hesitate to express concern over the current state of U.S. crypto regulation. He lamented the country’s slow progress, attributing the loss of jobs, innovation, and potential tax revenue to companies moving operations offshore to more welcoming jurisdictions. Ripple, he suggested, has experienced this trend first-hand.

Reflecting on Ripple’s drawn-out legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which concluded just last month, Garlinghouse admitted that an unfavorable ruling could have dealt a severe blow to the wider crypto sector. Fortunately, Ripple emerged victorious on critical points of contention, preserving not only its operations but also contributing to broader industry resilience.

The hearing wasn’t just about policy. Garlinghouse also took time to spotlight XRP‘s technical strengths. He pointed out the cryptocurrency’s efficiency, noting that its network enables fast, low-cost, and scalable transactions. These attributes, he argued, are essential for fostering real-world utility and expanding financial access around the globe.

He further highlighted the global footprint of the company, with 15 offices and around 900 employees spread across different countries. This information served to reinforce Ripple’s status as a globally integrated blockchain company that remains focused on bringing blockchain-based solutions to the financial world.

In his written testimony, which has been made publicly available, Garlinghouse underscored the necessity for clearly defined regulatory boundaries. He urged lawmakers to provide clarity for financial authorities so that innovation in the blockchain arena can thrive within the U.S., rather than being chased abroad.

Garlinghouse’s remarks come at a time when more nations are shaping regulatory environments conducive to nurturing blockchain technology. While some countries are firming up clear and supportive legislation, the U.S. still lags behind—something Ripple believes needs to change urgently if the country intends to maintain leadership in this space.

This congressional testimony marks an important step not just for Ripple but for the entire cryptocurrency ecosystem. As one of the leading voices in blockchain finance, Ripple continues to push for sensible legislation that supports mainstream adoption while keeping bad actors in check. Through it all, XRP remains central to the conversation and stands as a mature and practical use case in real-world financial systems.

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As things stand, Ripple’s leadership continues to champion innovation, positioning the company—and XRP—as key players in the future of digital finance.