XRP: Ripple CEO Urges U.S. to Accelerate Stablecoin Laws

XRP has once again taken center stage as Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse emphasizes the critical need for clear regulation of stablecoins within the United States. In a recent update that sounds an alarm for policymakers, Garlinghouse highlighted the country’s growing risk of falling behind in the crypto innovation race if lawmakers continue delaying action on a unified regulatory framework.

In a social media message posted on May 9, Garlinghouse urged U.S. officials to address the regulatory vacuum surrounding stablecoins, noting their increasing relevance and adoption around the world. He warned that ongoing inaction could compromise America’s position in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

His comments came in response to the U.S. Senate’s failure to advance the GENIUS Act, a proposed bill designed to provide a coherent federal framework for stablecoin regulation. The narrow 49–48 vote against the bill has stalled legislative progress, with expectations of a revised proposal surfacing soon.

Garlinghouse emphasized that stablecoins, typically pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar, are being integrated into financial systems worldwide due to their practical use cases in payment processing and cross-border exchanges. He warned that without federal legislation, the U.S. could cede leadership to other nations more proactive in embracing and regulating this technology.

Support for Garlinghouse’s view was echoed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who described the Senate vote as a squandered chance to reinforce both American financial innovation and the dollar’s influence on the global stage. According to Bessent in a recent statement via X, the GENIUS Act represented a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to better position the U.S. for the future of finance.

Without a unified federal standard, Bessent warned, stablecoin oversight could become fragmented across states. This patchwork approach could stifle growth, create inconsistencies, and deter institutional adoption—outcomes that could be avoided with streamlined national policies.

Brad Garlinghouse’s call underscores Ripple’s long-standing commitment to championing regulation that fosters innovation. Ripple has been an active proponent of balanced policy in crypto, particularly as the company expands XRP’s global reach in cross-border transactions and crypto payments infrastructure.

The urgency behind Garlinghouse’s message is backed by tangible market momentum. According to analytics from a16z Crypto, stablecoin transaction volumes peaked at $1.82 trillion in March 2025, reflecting their increasing integration into real-world financial use cases.

This surge hasn’t gone unnoticed by legacy firms. Notably, Stripe and Meta have actively explored stablecoin-based solutions in recent months. Stripe is working towards deeper integration with stablecoin infrastructure, while Meta is revisiting its ambitions around cross-border payments using these digital assets.

Ripple has long touted stablecoins as a natural fit for its payment solutions powered by XRP. The company has consistently highlighted the enhanced speed, reliability, and cost-efficiency enabled by digital assets in bridging international finance gaps.

Given the innovations emerging from both crypto-native and traditional institutions, Garlinghouse’s plea serves as a crucial reminder: regulatory clarity is no longer optional, but necessary. As global adoption of blockchain-based payment systems continues to accelerate, countries that lag on offering legal frameworks may soon find themselves outpaced economically and technologically.

Related: Expert Advice: Sell XRP If You’re Confused

The coming weeks will be pivotal for stablecoin regulation in the U.S., with lawmakers expected to revisit legislative options. For Ripple and XRP advocates, the hope remains that Congress will seize the opportunity to modernize financial policy in a way that supports innovation while ensuring compliance and consumer protection.