TLDR
- Ripple currently holds 41.43 billion XRP, reinforcing its influence on the XRP Ledger and global payments expansion.
- The company uses its XRP reserves to support market makers and boost liquidity across less-active payment corridors.
- Former Ripple executive Miguel Vias stated that Ripple’s lending of XRP improves liquidity and supports adoption.
- Ripple’s large holdings align the company’s financial interests with the long-term growth of the XRP ecosystem.
- Researcher Anderson compared Ripple’s strategy to that of early Bitcoin and Ethereum supporters, who backed their networks’ success.
Ripple maintains a large volume of XRP, reinforcing its role in developing and growing the XRP Ledger. According to recent data, Ripple now holds 41.43 billion XRP, supporting its global payments expansion. This financial position enables Ripple to build infrastructure and increase XRP liquidity for broader adoption.
Ripple’s Control Over XRP Supports Market Liquidity
Ripple’s strategic control over XRP enables the company to influence market stability and liquidity across various corridors. Miguel Vias, former Head of XRP Markets, stated that Ripple uses its XRP reserves to assist professional market makers. This method allows Ripple to lend XRP competitively, ensuring continuous platform liquidity.
Ripple uses this liquidity to promote utility, particularly in less-active cross-border corridors. Ripple temporarily funds transactions and fills payment gaps until the corridors become self-sufficient. This capability gives Ripple an edge in building lasting infrastructure where other digital assets struggle.
The video below is from a former Ripple employee who was responsible for XRP markets and building liquidity.
If you want to understand why Ripple holding so much XRP is massively beneficial to Ripple and XRP adoption in general, you need to watch the video.
So in other words,… https://t.co/HoM1pwMoep pic.twitter.com/oFDFMbF7BA
— Anders 🏁🌏 (@X__Anderson) May 11, 2025
Moreover, Ripple’s liquidity operations align to increase real-world XRP usage. Higher liquidity improves transaction speed and lowers cost, attracting financial institutions. This approach enhances Ripple’s value proposition in the global payments sector.
XRP Holdings Drive Ripple’s Ecosystem Plans
Ripple’s substantial XRP balance aligns its financial interests with the long-term success of the XRP Ledger. Anderson, an XRP community researcher, emphasized that Ripple has a strong reason to promote XRP’s utility. He compared Ripple’s approach to early Ethereum supporters and large Bitcoin holders who contributed to their networks’ growth.
Anderson noted that entities with major holdings are typically more invested in a network’s development and sustainability. This alignment strengthens Ripple’s motivation to support innovation and ecosystem growth. Without XRP holdings, Ripple would lack direct incentives to prioritize XRP over competing blockchain networks.
Ripple’s decisions to reinvest XRP into market growth confirm this alignment. Rather than seeking short-term returns, the company supports long-term adoption strategies. Ripple aims to increase XRP usage across regulated financial systems and institutional corridors.
XRP Ledger Gains From Ripple Expansion
Ripple’s financial strategy includes acquiring companies to advance its XRP-based services and expand into new markets. In April, Ripple acquired prime broker Hidden Road, marking its most significant investment to date. This move strengthens Ripple’s position in institutional finance and broadens access to the XRP Ledger.
Ripple’s integration of Hidden Road could bring new capital inflows and increase XRP utility within professional markets. The company plans to use its resources to enhance payment infrastructure through further acquisitions. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse confirmed this direction, indicating future deals to accelerate global network adoption.
Ripple maintains strategic control with 4.906 billion XRP in spendable wallets and 36.53 billion in escrow. This structure enables Ripple to manage token release schedules while securing enough assets to support expansion. Ripple’s balance sheet continues to support aggressive growth and adoption plans worldwide.