Ripple is evolving beyond its traditional role in the blockchain sector and toward becoming a full-stack financial services provider, according to expert analysis. This transformation is underscored by the rapid growth of its native token, XRP, which has now entered the top 100 global financial assets by market capitalization. As of press time, XRP’s market cap has surpassed $180 billion, placing it ahead of major global corporations like Allianz SE, Accenture, and Boston Scientific [1]. This milestone reflects not only the token’s price appreciation but also broader institutional interest and adoption.
Over the past 10 months, XRP has experienced significant price movement, surging from below $0.6 in late 2024 to a peak of $3.65 in mid-July. Despite a recent pullback, the token has remained above $3, and its market capitalization remains among the highest in the cryptocurrency space [1]. On-chain data also supports signs of growing institutional adoption, with settlement volumes on the XRP Ledger spiking by 500% earlier this week [2]. This development aligns with Ripple’s broader expansion strategy, which includes strategic acquisitions and the launch of its first stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), in December 2024 [1].
Ripple’s transformation is also evident in its recent business moves, which reflect a more traditional financial services model. The company spent $1.25 billion to acquire Hidden Road, a prime brokerage firm, marking a shift toward expanding institutional offerings [1]. Additionally, Ripple has been active in the stablecoin space, partnering with SBI Holdings to launch RLUSD in Japan in early 2026. SBI VC Trade, a licensed Electronic Payment Instruments Exchange Service Provider, will act as the stablecoin’s distributor [4]. RLUSD is designed to be fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits, short-term Treasuries, and cash equivalents, with monthly attestations from third-party auditors, offering institutional-grade compliance and regulatory clarity [4].
The rollout of RLUSD in Japan underscores Ripple’s broader strategy to integrate XRP and stablecoin solutions into a cohesive financial infrastructure. This dual-layered ecosystem, where XRP drives liquidity and RLUSD provides stability, could enhance Ripple’s role in cross-border payments and institutional finance [5]. In Japan, where cross-border remittances are both high in volume and cost, Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service is already operational. The integration of RLUSD into this framework could further reduce inefficiencies and expand Ripple’s reach in a growing market [5].
However, the regulatory environment remains a key uncertainty for Ripple and XRP. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has delayed its decision on several spot XRP ETF applications until mid-October, and the outcome could significantly influence the token’s future trajectory [3]. Analysts note that the regulatory clarity expected from these approvals will be critical to Ripple’s ability to expand its institutional and retail offerings [3]. Despite these challenges, Ripple continues to position itself as a leader in the convergence of traditional and decentralized finance, with a focus on regulatory compliance and enterprise-grade solutions.
The evolving landscape for Ripple reflects broader trends in the financial sector, where blockchain-based assets are increasingly being integrated into mainstream financial infrastructure. As Ripple continues to expand its product suite and geographic reach, its ability to navigate regulatory and market dynamics will be key to its long-term success. The upcoming launch of RLUSD in Japan, alongside the continued development of XRP’s use cases, could reinforce Ripple’s role as a full-stack financial services provider.
Source:
[1] Ripple’s XRP Is Now a Top 100 Global Asset (https://cryptopotato.com/ripples-xrp-is-now-a-top-100-global-asset-heres-what-it-means/)
[2] XRP Surges 9% Before Pullback Caps Rally Near $3 (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/23/xrp-surges-9-before-pullback-caps-rally-near-usd3)
[3] 1 Key Reason Why XRP Lags Behind Ethereum and Other … (https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/1-key-reason-why-xrp-lags-behind-ethereum-and-other-top-cryptocurrencies)
[4] Ripple, SBI Plan RLUSD Stablecoin Distribution in Japan by … (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ripple-sbi-plan-rlusd-stablecoin-042231203.html)
[5] Latest RLUSD Stablecoin Could Propel Ripple To … (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1063835-20250823)
