Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Advocates for US Crypto Policy Reform
On February 18, Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, appeared on Fox to discuss the impending transformation in US cryptocurrency policy. He highlighted the potential passage of the CLARITY Act by the end of April, emphasizing its importance in fostering industry growth, particularly for XRP, which has already overcome significant legal challenges.
Garlinghouse’s Optimism on Regulatory Changes
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Garlinghouse expressed confidence in the shifting dynamics within Washington, noting that prediction markets are increasingly favoring the passage of the CLARITY Act. “Comments from a senator have significantly boosted the likelihood, with a 90% chance of passing by the end of April,” he remarked. He described the White House’s active engagement with stakeholders, including a recent meeting involving leaders from both the cryptocurrency and banking sectors.
Ripple’s Perspective on Legislative Progress
Garlinghouse argued that while the CLARITY Act may not be flawless, it is essential to break the current impasse that has led to numerous enforcement battles. “Our stance is to not let perfect be the enemy of progress,” he asserted. Highlighting Ripple’s own legal victories, he noted, “A judge has confirmed that XRP is not a security, giving us clarity.”
Implications of the CLARITY Act
The proposed legislation seeks to prevent cryptocurrencies from being misclassified within a securities framework that does not align with their operational nature. Garlinghouse emphasized that unlike traditional securities, cryptocurrency holders do not receive dividends or voting rights. He criticized the previous administration’s failed court strategies and stressed the need for a modern framework to maintain US competitiveness in the global market.
Ripple’s Strategic Vision for XRP
During the interview, Garlinghouse linked the recent downturn in the crypto market to policy uncertainties. He pointed out that the delay in the CLARITY Act around late January had an adverse impact. Despite this, Ripple entered 2026 with strong momentum, following a successful 2025.
XRP’s Resilience in the Crypto Market
Garlinghouse claimed that XRP has demonstrated resilience compared to other major cryptocurrencies, stating, “XRP has been the best-performing major crypto, down just 20%.” He underscored Ripple’s focus on enterprise use cases over retail narratives, aiming to showcase practical utility in solving real-world problems.
Expansion Through Strategic Acquisitions
Garlinghouse elaborated on Ripple’s acquisition strategy, which has seen the company invest over three billion dollars since 2023 in expanding its capabilities across custody, prime brokerage, treasury management, stablecoins, and payments. He highlighted the acquisition of a treasury-management firm that processed $13 trillion in payments last year, emphasizing the nascent stage of institutional stablecoin adoption.
Integration and Future Prospects
Currently, Ripple is focusing on integrating recent acquisitions before pursuing new deals. “We acquired two major companies last year; now, we’re pausing to integrate,” he explained. Garlinghouse believes that the crypto sector’s regulatory battle is evolving, with traditional financial institutions also seeking clear regulations.
The Path Forward: Collaboration Between Crypto and Banks
Garlinghouse asserted that the CLARITY Act represents a pivotal shift from a crypto-versus-banks scenario to a collaborative effort for a structured rulebook. He noted that the majority of the crypto industry is willing to accept some imperfections in the legislation, as it signifies a significant advancement. He cited Goldman Sachs as an example of traditional finance’s desire for a level playing field as they delve deeper into the cryptocurrency realm.
As of now, XRP is trading at $1.4196. Its performance remains robust, staying above the 200-week EMA.
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