Ripple CEO Reflects on 2025 Success, Outlines Vision for 2026

Key Insights:

• Ripple CEO outlines 2025 gains and confirms long-term focus on payments and regulation.
• Industry voices react to Ripple’s resilience after years of legal pressure.
• UK regulatory approval strengthens Ripple’s global payments strategy.

XRP news moved into focus after Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse shared details of the company’s progress in 2025 and its plans for the year ahead. In a New Year message, he spoke on growth, licensing wins, and long-term goals. This comes as the firm confirmed new regulatory approvals in the United Kingdom.

Ripple CEO on What the Company Has Achieved and New Focus

Garlinghouse said 2025 was a strong year for Ripple, especially in the final quarter. Per the XRP news, he pointed to steady growth rather than quick wins.

It is worth noting that his message focused on structure, patience, and long-term planning. He compared Ripple Labs’ year to a clear result that speaks for itself, without exaggeration.

Two acquisitions stood out in his update. Ripple Prime and GTreasury were described as key steps that help the company offer more services to institutions. These moves expand Ripple’s reach across payments, custody, and financial services tied to digital assets and traditional markets.

Garlinghouse said XRP remains central to Ripple’s plans. He explained that the asset continues to support fast settlement and cross-border transfers. According to him, XRP is not being pushed aside as the company grows. Instead, it remains part of the core system Ripple is building.

The Ripple CEO also highlighted Ripple’s expanding list of licenses. One of the most important additions came from the United Kingdom. Garlinghouse said this gives Ripple more room to operate in regulated markets and sets the stage for 2026.

He stressed that building financial systems takes time and does not follow market hype. The message ended on a confident note. Garlinghouse said Ripple is moving forward after years of legal pressure. He added that the company will continue to focus on infrastructure rather than short-term price movements.

Industry Reaction to Brad Garlinghouse’s New Year Message

John E. Deaton, a lawyer known for his role in XRP-related cases, reacted publicly to Garlinghouse’s comments. He said that even critics of Ripple must admit the company’s progress.

Deaton pointed to Ripple’s ability to stay focused while facing years of legal challenges in the United States. He noted that the company continued to build products, expand its reach, and secure licenses during that time.

The crypto lawyer also mentioned Ripple’s reported valuation and global presence. His comments reflect a broader perspective among industry observers. Ripple is often seen as a firm that chose regulation over speed.

While that path came with delays, it also helped the company stay active in key markets. For many, the message showed how Ripple managed to stay intact while others faded.

Ripple in the UK and Other New Milestones

In a separate XRP news, Ripple announced a major update from the United Kingdom. On January 9, 2026, the company confirmed it had secured approval from the Financial Conduct Authority. Notably, this included an Electronic Money Institution license and cryptoasset registration.

These approvals allow Ripple to expand its payment services in the UK. Businesses can now send cross-border payments using Ripple’s platform under clear regulatory rules. Ripple Payments handles the movement of funds and connects users to payout partners worldwide.

Ripple President Monica Long said the approval shows that digital assets are moving beyond testing stages. Additionally, she said blockchain systems are becoming part of real financial operations.

Cassie Craddock, Ripple’s UK and Europe head, said the license allows Ripple to support more UK businesses. London remains a key base for Ripple outside the United States. The company has operated there since 2016. Interestingly, it has grown its team and invested in local research through its university program.