Critics have long claimed that XRP would never break into the mainstream. However, a recent speech from Ripple CTO David Schwartz has significantly shifted that narrative. Schwartz revealed that Ripple's core objective is not centered on speculative trading, but rather on connecting with the vast $130 trillion global credit market.
As highlighted by X Finance Bull, Ripple's ambition extends beyond merely chasing retail adoption; it is fundamentally structural. By positioning XRP to tap into the debt and credit markets, Ripple aims to establish itself as the primary settlement layer for substantial traditional finance flows.
Institutional Infrastructure: Building the Rails
Ripple is actively constructing the foundational infrastructure that institutional players require. The company's $1.25 billion acquisition of prime broker Hidden Road is a significant step, enhancing its post-trade, clearing, and settlement capabilities. Hidden Road plans to migrate its operations onto the XRP Ledger, thereby pushing settlement processes onto the blockchain. This strategic move grants Ripple direct access to the domains of custody, financing, and securities lending.
“$XRP will never go mainstream!” That’s what they told you!
Until David Schwartz got on stage and showed you the real target:
The $130 TRILLION global credit market.
This isn’t some weekend pump project. It’s a full-scale infrastructure upgrade backed by acquisitions in… https://t.co/c3YyoFsLfQpic.twitter.com/aRu4LX5hNY
— X Finance Bull (@Xfinancebull) November 17, 2025
Regulatory Momentum
Canary Capital's XRPC spot XRP ETF is now officially trading. Nasdaq certified its listing on November 12, 2025, marking it as the first U.S.-listed single-token XRP ETF. The ETF commenced trading on November 13 and experienced an impressive launch, with its initial 30 minutes of trading being astonishing and its overall first-day volume setting new records.
Just a few days later, Franklin Templeton followed suit with its own XRP ETF. Their fund, trading under the ticker EZRP, launched on November 18, 2025. This development occurred after Franklin Templeton updated its S-1 filing, removing the delaying "8(a)" clause, an adjustment that facilitated auto-activation.
Franklin's ETF is also listed on the DTCC's active funds list, identified as “Franklin XRP Trust (XRPZ),” indicating that it is fully prepared for institutional clearing and settlement processes.
Collectively, these ETF launches represent a significant regulatory milestone for XRP. With major issuers now providing spot ETFs, the digital asset has successfully crossed a critical threshold towards mainstream, regulated accessibility.
Scaling Cross-Border Finance
By integrating custody, broker operations, and tokenization, Ripple is establishing the necessary framework for seamless, institution-grade settlement. XRP has the potential to serve as the vital bridge connecting traditional credit instruments with blockchain-native finance. This initiative signifies a deep integration that extends far beyond short-term speculative strategies.
Why the Timing Matters
This strategic approach is unfolding during a period of increasing regulatory clarity. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has implemented new rules that streamline the listing process for spot crypto ETFs, including those for XRP. This favorable regulatory environment could significantly accelerate adoption and further embed XRP within the infrastructure of institutional finance.
In conclusion, while skeptics may point to XRP's perceived lack of retail buzz, Ripple's long-term strategy is not focused on viral demand but on achieving structural relevance. As David Schwartz indicated during his presentation, the objective is not speculation but the creation of essential infrastructure. Should all these strategic elements align successfully, critics may realize they have significantly underestimated XRP's potential.