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Ripple can operate without XRP, thanks to its expanding services like Ripple Payments, RLUSD, and CBDC projects.
XRP still offers a key advantage in fast, low-cost cross-border payments, especially in illiquid currency markets.
The launch of RLUSD and legal clarity after the SEC case have strengthened Ripple’s long-term growth and flexibility.
Ripple has established itself as a major player in blockchain-based payments. A common question often discussed is whether Ripple can survive and grow even without relying on XRP, the cryptocurrency connected to its technology. This article explores that question using the latest data and developments as of November 2025.
XRP is one of the most valued digital currencies in the world. It currently trades at approximately $2.45, has a total market capitalization of around $147 billion, and has a circulating supply of approximately 60.1 billion tokens. This makes the cryptocurrency the fourth largest in the world. These figures are indicative of the wide usage and the strong market support that XRP currently enjoys.
Ripple also recently settled the long-running case against it by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. A US court confirmed that Ripple should indeed pay a penalty of $125 million. At the same time, however, the court made it clear that the sale of XRP on public exchanges did not equate to a securities sale. This finally brought legal clarity for Ripple and its partners.
Ripple provides a payment network called Ripple Payments for banks and financial institutions to send fast international payments. Earlier versions included products like xCurrent and xRapid. Today, XRP is used mainly in a service called On-Demand Liquidity (ODL).
XRP serves as the bridge currency in ODL. For instance, if a bank needs to send money from India to Mexico, instead of holding pesos in advance, it will be able to convert Indian rupees into pesos instantly using XRP. This reduces costs and speeds transfers, particularly across countries whose currencies are not very liquid.
However, Ripple's system does not always require XRP. Some banks use Ripple's payment software only for messaging and fast settlement in regular fiat currencies. That alone demonstrates the technical capability of Ripple's system to work without XRP.
Also Read: Is XRP a Smart Buy After the Recent Crypto Flash Crash?
The first stablecoin of Ripple, the Ripple USD (RLUSD), was introduced in December 2024. This is a digital coin always equal in value to 1 US dollar. RLUSD is primarily intended for use by companies and financial institutions that seek digital payments, but without the price fluctuations characteristic of cryptocurrencies, such as XRP.
The fact that RLUSD is launching indicates that Ripple is expanding beyond XRP. This lets companies still use Ripple's network and avoid cryptocurrency price fluctuations. RLUSD works on both the XRP Ledger and other blockchains, providing customers with more options for use.
Ripple also collaborates with various governments to facilitate the development of central bank-based digital currencies. It has entered into partnerships, such as pilot projects in countries like Bhutan and Palau, where Ripple provides technology but does not necessarily require the usage of XRP. In fact, this shows another way Ripple can make money without relying on XRP.
Several factors contribute to Ripple's potential growth without XRP.
Many banks have rules that restrict the use of volatile cryptocurrencies. Ripple allows those banks to make use of its system without using XRP. In well-developed payment markets, such as between the US and Europe, banks may not feel the need for XRP because traditional systems already work well. In this case, Ripple can still make money by offering software, transaction support, and system upgrades.
However, in smaller or developing markets, the use case for XRP remains quite strong. In countries with unstable currencies or slow and expensive international money services, for instance, XRP helps avoid holding money in multiple bank accounts around the world. It makes for quicker and less expensive payments.
RLUSD's introduction provides businesses with a safer alternative as well. While XRP saves them money via efficiency, RLUSD reduces risk by being price-stable. This flexibility enables Ripple to satisfy both risk-takers and risk-averse individuals.
The end of the SEC lawsuit is a big positive step for Ripple. With confirmation from the court that XRP traded on public exchanges is not a security, more banks and financial companies feel safer about working with Ripple. Ripple can now focus on growth instead of legal defense.
Ripple is threatened from several sides in the stablecoin area by giants like Tether, USDT, and USDC. RLUSD will have to compete by offering great regulation, transparency, and reliable partnerships.
Traditional banks and card companies are also upgrading their money transfer systems by adopting new standards such as ISO 20022 and real-time settlement. Ripple will need to demonstrate that its system is faster and more cost-effective.
The introduction of RLUSD also gives businesses a safer option. While XRP saves money through efficiency, RLUSD reduces risk by being price-stable. This flexibility helps Ripple satisfy both risk-takers and risk-avoiders.
The end of the SEC lawsuit is a major positive step for Ripple. Now that the court has confirmed that XRP, when traded on public exchanges, is not a security, more banks and financial companies feel safer about working with Ripple. Ripple can now focus on growth instead of legal defense.
Ripple faces competition from different sides. In the stablecoin market, major players such as Tether (USDT) and USDC dominate. RLUSD will have to compete by offering strong regulation, transparency, and reliable partnerships.
Traditional banks and card companies are also enhancing their money transfer systems by adopting new standards, such as ISO 20022, and implementing real-time payments. Ripple must prove that its system is faster and cheaper.
There are also other blockchain networks offering payment solutions. Ripple must stand out with better global reach, trust from governments, and lower costs.
Ripple can survive without XRP, but XRP still plays an important role in certain areas. Ripple’s payment system, CBDC projects, and stablecoin (RLUSD) show that the company is not completely dependent on XRP. In many situations, Ripple’s technology can function using fiat currencies or stablecoins.
However, XRP remains useful in solving problems like expensive and slow money transfers in less liquid markets. Rather than choosing one over the other, Ripple is building a flexible system that allows clients to select between XRP, stablecoins like RLUSD, or traditional currencies, depending on their specific needs.
Ripple’s future appears stronger now that legal issues are resolved, new products have been launched, and the company has multiple revenue streams. XRP is no longer the sole pillar supporting Ripple, but it remains one of the most crucial ones.
1. Can Ripple function without using XRP?
Yes, Ripple can function without XRP because Ripple Payments and other services like RLUSD and CBDC platforms can operate using fiat currencies or stablecoins.
2. What is the role of XRP in Ripple Payments?
XRP is primarily used as a bridge asset in On-Demand Liquidity to facilitate fast and low-cost cross-border transfers, eliminating the need for pre-funded bank accounts.
3. What is RLUSD, and why did Ripple launch it?
RLUSD is Ripple’s US dollar-backed stablecoin, launched to provide a price-stable digital asset for institutions and reduce reliance on volatile cryptocurrencies.
4. How did the SEC case affect Ripple and XRP?
The SEC case concluded with Ripple being fined $125 million, but the court confirmed that public XRP sales are not securities, providing Ripple with legal clarity to continue growing.
5. Is XRP still important for Ripple’s future?
Yes, XRP remains important for fast, efficient payments in less liquid markets, even though Ripple now offers other settlement options like RLUSD.
