Ripple continues to solidify its position in the crypto and enterprise blockchain landscape, announcing a $500 million funding round and a strategic partnership with Mastercard to enable RLUSD payments on the XRPL. While the company’s valuation soars to $40 billion, the move has sparked mixed reactions among XRP holders, many of whom remain concerned about token profitability and the company’s focus on enterprise growth over retail investor benefits.
Ripple Secures $500 Million in Funding, Boosting Valuation to $40 Billion
Ripple recently completed a $500 million investment round with six institutional investors, pushing its valuation to an impressive $40 billion. This milestone positions Ripple among the top privately-held crypto firms, comparable to major companies in the S&P 500.
The infusion of institutional capital underscores Ripple’s strategy to strengthen its enterprise blockchain solutions and maintain a competitive edge in the fast-evolving blockchain sector. According to PwC’s Q3 2025 Blockchain Market Report, “Institutional capital remains a critical factor in enabling Ripple to expand its global blockchain payment infrastructure.”
Mastercard Partnership Enables Instant RLUSD Settlements on XRPL
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Ripple has partnered with Mastercard to integrate RLUSD, Ripple’s native stablecoin, into the global payments network. Through this partnership, RLUSD will facilitate instant settlement of transactions on the XRPL, allowing Mastercard users to execute payments in real-time via the blockchain.
This integration aims to reduce intermediary costs and speed up cross-border transactions, exemplifying the growing convergence between traditional finance and blockchain technology. As the Director of Innovation at Mastercard Asia-Pacific noted during the FinTech Singapore 2025 conference, “Our collaboration with Ripple marks a significant step toward applying blockchain in real-world commercial payments.”
XRP Holders Left Behind Amid Ripple’s Expansion
Despite Ripple’s expansion and a 12% increase in XRP price year-to-date, only 65% of XRP’s supply is currently profitable, leaving 37% below break-even—the highest level since the previous election period. Many retail investors who purchased XRP at its $3.35 peak remain underwater.
Meanwhile, co-founder Chris Larsen sold 60 million XRP in Q3, reducing his holdings to 2.35 billion tokens. Critics argue that such moves prioritize enterprise valuation over supporting retail investors. Ripple also announced a $1 billion stock buyback program rather than an XRP repurchase, reinforcing the perception that the company’s strategy favors corporate growth over the community.
Ripple’s Strategy: Wall Street Fortress or XRP Value Builder?
Analysts are divided on whether Ripple is genuinely developing the XRP ecosystem or leveraging the token to strengthen its corporate financial strategy. Selling XRP appears to fund expansion and enhance institutional credibility, particularly in anticipation of integrating stablecoins like RLUSD into mainstream payment networks.
While this approach bolsters Ripple’s financial strength and Wall Street relationships, it leaves many XRP holders questioning whether the company will balance corporate value with token utility. The future of Ripple may hinge on its ability to harmonize RLUSD as a payment solution with the broader objectives of XRP holders.
| Ripple Focus | XRP Holder Impact |
|---|---|
| Increase company valuation & attract institutional capital | Token profitability depends on market price |
| Expand traditional financial partnerships | Hopes for XRP price recovery |
| Revenue from XRP sales & strategic investments | Transaction fees, staking, and trading |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Ripple raise in its latest funding round?
Ripple secured $500 million from six institutional investors, bringing its valuation to $40 billion.
What does the Ripple-Mastercard partnership mean?
The partnership enables RLUSD payments on XRPL, facilitating faster and cheaper blockchain-based cross-border payments.
Why are XRP investors concerned?
Only 65% of XRP supply is profitable, while Ripple emphasizes enterprise growth over token support.
Will Ripple buy back XRP?
No, the company plans to repurchase $1 billion in corporate stock, not XRP.
Could RLUSD replace XRP?
RLUSD is designed as a payment stablecoin, while XRP remains the native asset of XRPL, serving different purposes within the ecosystem.
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