The stablecoin sector is poised for explosive growth, potentially reaching a market capitalization of $1 to $2 trillion within a few years, according to Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse.
Speaking on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Garlinghouse described the current stablecoin market—valued at approximately $250 billion—as on the cusp of a profound expansion driven by increasing institutional adoption and clearer regulatory frameworks.
Thank you @SenatorTimScott and the entire Senate Banking Committee for hosting its first hearing on comprehensive crypto market structure legislation today. In a refreshing change from the rhetoric of the Gensler years, every Senator affirmed that crypto technology is here to… pic.twitter.com/3j5Nr8O309
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) July 9, 2025
Ripple, which entered the stablecoin space later than some competitors, has leveraged its strong institutional background and compliance focus to develop its enterprise-grade stablecoin, RLUSD. Launched in late 2024, RLUSD has already achieved a market cap of $500 million, a milestone reached within seven months. This growth was further supported by Ripple’s announcement of BNY Mellon as the custodian for RLUSD reserves, signaling a significant partnership bridging traditional finance and digital assets.
Echoing Garlinghouse’s optimism, Henrik Andersson, CIO at Apollo Capital, highlighted the diverse range of stablecoin issuers from fintech firms to banks and retailers, and noted the upcoming GENIUS Act in the U.S. as a potential catalyst for mainstream adoption. The legislation, which recently passed the Senate and is expected to become law soon, aims to make stablecoins legal tender, thereby accelerating their integration into the financial system.
Ripple is also pursuing a U.S. banking license and a Federal Reserve Master Account, steps that would position the firm alongside traditional financial institutions and enhance its regulatory compliance. Garlinghouse emphasized that building bridges between decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional finance is crucial for the sector’s future growth.
The positive regulatory momentum and institutional interest have also boosted Ripple’s native token XRP, which recently surged to a seven-week high following news of the banking license application and strategic partnerships.
As stablecoins gain traction, the combination of regulatory clarity, institutional backing, and technological innovation is setting the stage for a new era in digital finance, with Ripple at the forefront of this transformation.
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