XRP: Ripple’s Real Strength Lies in Trust, Not Technology

XRP remains at the forefront of enterprise blockchain innovation, but according to Ripple Co-Founder and Chairman Chris Larsen, the company’s most significant milestone has little to do with technology. Speaking on Kevin Follonier’s podcast, “When Shift Happens”, Larsen emphasized that Ripple’s success has been due to building trust — not just developing software.

“It’s not about tech, but about trust,” Larsen explained during the conversation. Ripple’s most impactful achievement, he said, is the confidence it has cultivated among banks, fintech players, and global institutions over more than a decade of consistent effort and reliable service.

Ripple’s Legacy of Reliability in Financial Systems

Since its founding, Ripple has steered clear of the hype-driven nature of the cryptocurrency sector. Instead, the company has focused on delivering measurable results through stable partnerships and repeatable, institutional-grade solutions. As Larsen explained, Ripple’s long-standing presence over 13 years is what solidifies its place within global treasury and payment systems.

This commitment to supporting real-world financial operations, rather than chasing short-lived trends, has led Ripple to secure major regulatory approvals and partner with key players in banking and finance. By fostering institutional trust, Ripple has established an ecosystem that not only supports XRP but also transforms how money moves across borders.

Strategic Alliances Cement Ripple’s Global Outreach

During the 2010s, Ripple forged strategic agreements with industry giants like SBI Holdings, Santander, MoneyGram, American Express, and Standard Chartered. These relationships laid the groundwork for breakthrough products aimed at streamlining cross-border transactions.

One of the earliest examples was MoneyTap, released in 2018 via SBI Ripple Asia to enable frictionless domestic transfers in Japan. In the same year, Santander launched One Pay FX using Ripple’s payment infrastructure to facilitate international transfers across Europe and South America.

Moving into the 2020s, Ripple expanded its global presence even further. In 2023, the company acquired crypto custody firm Metaco for $250 million and, more recently, in 2025, purchased Hidden Road for $1.25 billion. These acquisitions enable Ripple to offer enterprise-grade custody and treasury solutions — critical components for institutional blockchain adoption.

Ripple also reinforced its compliance footprint by obtaining regulatory licenses, including Singapore’s approval in 2023 to operate digital payment services. Within the United States, Ripple now holds around 50 money transmitter licenses, further underscoring its operational legitimacy.

A Culture That Anchors Innovation

Beyond partnerships and products, Larsen spoke at length about Ripple’s internal ethos. The company’s values, he said, are embedded deeply in its workforce and leadership. He credited CEO Brad Garlinghouse for preserving Ripple’s founding mission while guiding the organization through shifting economic climates.

“Hats off to Brad for staying really pure to the culture,” Larsen remarked, applauding the “amazing, dedicated people… working every single day with the right core values and their heart.” This consistent internal alignment serves as the glue that binds Ripple’s team and mission together.

Ripple’s approach reveals a strong contrast with many crypto firms focused purely on technological novelty. Instead, Ripple sees its culture and its network of professional relationships as the durable assets powering its journey.

Ripple Looks to the Future with RLUSD

In a move that reflects Ripple’s continued innovation within regulated frameworks, the company recently launched a new stablecoin product called RLUSD. Designed to support utility across payment and lending ecosystems, RLUSD aims to compliment XRP, not sideline it. The rollout of the stablecoin is part of Ripple’s broader strategy to remain adaptable to the evolving needs of financial markets.

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

Ultimately, Larsen’s insights underscore a philosophy that sets Ripple apart: lasting trust, operational consistency, and enterprise-grade delivery. While blockchain technology continues to evolve, it’s Ripple’s steadfast credibility in global finance that may be its most advanced feature yet.