Ripple is a technology company that builds infrastructure for global money transfers based on blockchain.
Token XRP is often used within RippleNet and the On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service as a bridge currency for transfers between different fiats, thereby speeding up and reducing the cost of international transactions.
Collaboration and partners
Ripple and XRP have a number of significant partnerships with banks and fintech firms. Here are some key ones:
SBI Holdings / SBI Remit (Japan) — SBI is a major player in the Ripple network; it uses ODL for remittance flows.
Tranglo — fintech from Southeast Asia, integrated ODL for direct cross-border payments.
Clear Junction — Ripple partner in Europe / UK for processing payments in GBP and EUR.
Novatti (Australia) — Ripple collaborates for transactions between Australia and the Philippines.
UAE Exchange — former partner for fast cross-border payments using Ripple technology.
American Express — RippleNet used in some international payment flows (according to XRP-Authority).
DBS + Franklin Templeton — newly (2025) collaborating with Ripple on tokenized money funds on the XRP Ledger.
Moreover, Ripple plans (or is already implementing) further steps — e.g., acquiring the Rail platform for stablecoins, which could expand its infrastructure for stablecoin payments.
Legal / regulatory issues
XRP and Ripple faced a significant legal dispute with the SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission):
The SEC originally claimed that XRP sales constitute an unregistered offering of securities.
In 2024, the court imposed a fine of 125 million USD on Ripple and banned some sales of XRP to institutional investors.
In May 2025, Ripple and the SEC reached an agreement: Ripple will pay 50 million USD, with the remaining ~75 million returned to the SEC from the escrow account.
Part of the agreement is a request to lift the injunction (restriction) against Ripple if the court approves.
Some judges and SEC members express doubts: for example, Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw stated that the agreement undermines law enforcement.
These events brought greater regulatory clarity for XRP, but risks may still exist in some jurisdictions.
Advantages of XRP
1. Fast and cheap transfers
By using XRP as a bridge currency, it is possible to make transfers with lower costs and shorter settlement times than traditional banking systems.
2. Wide network of partners
Ripple has realistic pilots and partnerships with banks and fintechs (SBI, Tranglo, Clear Junction, etc.), showing that the technology is used in practice.
3. Regulatory clarity (improving)
After the agreement with the SEC, Ripple has a better legal position, which may increase the confidence of investors and institutions.
4. Possibility of institutional holding
The planned company Evernorth (a public company associated with Ripple) aims to accumulate XRP as a strategic asset.
5. Development of stablecoin infrastructure
Stablecoins are being built through Ripple (e.g., RLUSD), expanding the use of XRPL (XRP Ledger) and the potential for further applications.
Disadvantages / risks of XRP
1. Regulatory risk
Although the agreement with the SEC is a big step, there is still legal risk — and regulations may be stricter in other countries.
2. Adoption is not universal
Not all banks in RippleNet actually use XRP — some only utilize the messaging/infrastructure of RippleNet without XRP.
3. Competition from other technologies
Alternative cryptocurrencies and blockchains (e.g., Ethereum, stablecoins) may offer similar or better solutions for certain use cases.
4. Price volatility
Like any cryptocurrency, XRP can fluctuate, which may be disadvantageous for companies that would want to use it as a 'bridge' asset.
5. Dependence on the Ripple ecosystem
The cryptocurrency XRP is closely linked to Ripple projects; if Ripple fails or changes strategy, it could negatively affect XRP.
Summary
XRP is a strong cryptocurrency designed for financial purposes — mainly cross-border payments through RippleNet / ODL.
Ripple has real partners (banks, fintech companies), showing the usability of the technology.
The legal battle with the SEC was one of the biggest risks for XRP, but a partial resolution (reduced fine, request to lift some restrictions) brings greater regulatory certainty.
The advantages of XRP lie in speed, efficiency, institutional potential, and technological infrastructure for stablecoins.
On the other hand, there are risks: regulatory uncertainty, volatility, competition, and dependence on Ripple.
