Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has reaffirmed Ripple's strong commitment to creating long-term value for $XRP
and its stablecoin RLUSD as the company heads into 2026. In his recent New Year message, he described 2025 as a foundational and pivotal year, highlighted by significant strategic expansions, key acquisitions, and important regulatory advancements.
Garlinghouse likened Ripple's progress to the enduring success of NFL legend Tom Brady, stressing that disciplined execution and strategic planning lead to lasting, meaningful results over time.
Among the standout achievements in 2025 were major acquisitions, including Ripple Prime (formerly Hidden Road) for $1.25 billion and GTreasury for $1 billion. These moves are designed to significantly bolster Ripple's capabilities in modernizing global cross-border payments and value transfers, with XRP continuing to serve as the central asset in this ecosystem.
On the regulatory side, Ripple achieved a major milestone by securing an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license and Cryptoasset Registration from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in early January 2026. This approval positions the company for expanded operations and further international growth throughout the year.
Garlinghouse emphasized that Ripple's strategy remains focused on delivering real-world utility and practical adoption for both XRP and RLUSD, rather than chasing short-term price speculation or market hype.
As of early 2026, XRP has demonstrated solid momentum, climbing more than 20% to a high of $2.41 before stabilizing in the $2.08–$2.30 range amid ongoing market consolidation. Meanwhile, RLUSD has seen impressive adoption, with its market capitalization surpassing $1.3 billion, reflecting growing confidence and liquidity in Ripple's stablecoin ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Ripple's leadership is confident that continued innovation, increasing regulatory clarity, and expanding real-world applications will fuel sustained long-term growth and value for XRP and RLUSD in the years to come.