TLDR
- Ripple is now valued at $40 billion after resolving a five-year SEC lawsuit in 2025.
- XRP was ruled not a security after Ripple paid a $125 million fine to the SEC.
- Ripple acquired GTreasury for $1 billion to expand cross-border payment services.
- Ripple’s global growth is supported by a new U.K. electronic money license.
Ripple Labs has reached a $40 billion valuation following years of regulatory pressure and a long-standing legal case with the SEC. The valuation reflects the company’s ability to scale operations, complete acquisitions and expand into new markets.
Even those who hate @Ripple must admit:
To weather a multi-year federal assault – remain focused on building the plumbing for the future of global finance – come out the other side with a $40B valuation – and a global licensing portfolio – is legendary stuff. https://t.co/ILLx3Y8hd1
— John E Deaton (@JohnEDeaton1) January 10, 2026
Attorney John Deaton, who represents XRP holders, commented on Ripple’s progress. He said the company’s performance in 2025, despite ongoing challenges, proves it is “legendary” in its resilience. The comment was made in reaction to a New Year message from Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, who outlined major milestones achieved by the company.
Ripple Concludes Legal Battle with the SEC
Ripple’s legal conflict with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission began in 2020. The case lasted five years and centered on whether XRP should be considered a security under U.S. law.
In 2025, the case ended with Ripple agreeing to a $125 million fine. However, the court ruled that XRP is not a security, setting a key precedent in the digital asset industry. This outcome has been seen as a turning point, not just for Ripple but for the broader crypto market.
Deaton stated that few companies would have survived such pressure. He noted that Ripple’s continued growth under these conditions reflects strong internal leadership and focus.
Strategic Acquisitions Drive Ripple’s Growth
Ripple’s $40 billion valuation has been fueled by a series of business expansions and acquisitions. One of the major moves includes the $1 billion acquisition of GTreasury in December 2025. GTreasury provides cash and liquidity management services and is expected to support Ripple’s efforts in improving cross-border payments.
Ripple also acquired Ripple Prime to strengthen its position in institutional markets. The company plans to integrate these platforms into its blockchain payment systems, improving transaction speed, reducing costs and addressing liquidity issues in the global banking system.
These moves are aligned with Ripple’s strategy to solve real-world problems using blockchain and crypto assets rather than focus on speculative trends.
Ripple Pushes for Institutional Adoption in 2026
Ripple has also obtained new licenses to operate more freely in global markets. The most recent is the Electronic Money Institution license in the United Kingdom, approved at the end of 2025.
CEO Brad Garlinghouse stated this license would allow Ripple to deliver regulated crypto infrastructure across the U.K. and Europe. He also mentioned the company would continue to develop products like XRP and the Ripple USD stablecoin (RLUSD), aiming to meet the needs of financial institutions.
Ripple executive Reece Merrick predicted that crypto would no longer be optional for institutions. He said that updated regulations, including the GENIUS Act, have made digital assets a core part of modern finance.
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