Blockchain firm Ripple has revealed a key development with its long-standing partner SBI Holdings, a leading financial services conglomerate in Japan.

The duo has inked a memorandum of understanding to launch and distribute Ripple USD in Japan.

They will leverage SBI’s certified crypto exchange, SBI VC Trade Co., for the Japanese market to access RLUSD.

The official press release indicates that RLUSD will launch in Japan in early 2026.

The $300B stablecoin market is set to grow into the trillions.

Together with @sbivc_official, we’re bringing $RLUSD to Japan in early 2026, offering users and institutions a trusted, regulated and fully-backed stablecoin built for enterprise use cases. https://t.co/htcrMiQkTe

— Ripple (@Ripple) August 22, 2025

That presents a key step toward enriching financial options available to institutions, retailers, and enterprises that rely on legitimate digital currencies.

Commenting on the integration, SBI VC Trade CEO Tomohiko Kondo stated:

The introduction of RLUSD will not just expand the option of stablecoins in the Japanese market, but is a major step forward in the reliability and convenience of stablecoins in the Japanese market, and an important step in further accelerating the convergence of finance and digital technology.

Stablecoins’ next growth phase

Stablecoins have thrived in 2025, especially after the United States approved the highly anticipated GENIUS law.

Today, these backed digital tokens boast nearly $300 billion in market cap, and experts forecast continued growth, targeting trillions.

While traders interested in price stability fueled the initial wave of stablecoin adoptions, institutional demand and utility appear to drive phase two.

Coinbase has listed World Liberty Financial’s USD1, which has seen explosive growth since its March 2025 launch.

Meanwhile, RLUSD fits there as it prioritizes utility and institutional transactions.

Also, its compliance-first strategy elevated its industry appeal. Ripple publishes attestations from third-party auditors (each month) to guarantee transparency.

Ripple USD boasts unwavering stability, backed by short-term government bonds, US dollar deposits, and other monetary equivalents.

The compliance and transparency set RLUSD ahead of many existing stablecoins.

Ripple Vice President of Stablecoins Jack McDonald emphasized that their collaboration with SBI focuses on building a compliant and trusted financial future. He added:

This distribution in Japan with SBI VC Trade is a culmination of that work. RLUSD is designed to be a true industry standard, providing a reliable and efficient bridge between traditional and decentralized finance. We are confident that this partnership will not only drive stablecoin utility in Japan but also set a new benchmark for the entire market.

RLUSD’s outlook

Ripple’s stablecoin boasts over $666 million in market cap, with a daily volume of $70 million signaling notable user activity.

RLUSD received a vital boost recently after Bullish confirmed using the stablecoin for its successful $1.15 billion initial public offering (IPO) in the US.

Congrats to @Bullish on a successful IPO!

A portion of the IPO proceeds were settled in $RLUSD, minted on the XRP Ledger. This is the first public listing to bring the settlement process onchain and sets a precedent for how stablecoins can shape future listings. https://t.co/AD4AkpPnLD

— Ripple (@Ripple) August 19, 2025

Now, RLUSD braces for the Japan launch in early 2026. Success could boost trust in the stablecoin among institutions, enterprises, and regulators across Asia.

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Ripple partners with SBI Holdings to distribute RLUSD stablecoin in Japan

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/ripple-partners-with-sbi-holdings-to-distribute-rlusd-stablecoin-in-japan/

Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, has weighed in on renewed speculation surrounding Jesse Powell, the co-founder of crypto exchange Kraken, as the firm prepares for an initial public offering (IPO).

The conversation was reignited by a casual poll Schwartz shared on X regarding Ripple’s potential IPO, which unexpectedly led to claims that Powell had “always hated XRP.”

Schwartz quickly intervened, dismissing the suggestion and providing context around Powell’s concerns, which he said were rooted in regulatory risk rather than personal bias.

The clarification arrives at a time when Kraken is aiming for a $15 billion valuation in its upcoming IPO.

XRP concerns linked to regulatory uncertainty

The XRP controversy resurfaced after one user on X revisited claims about Powell’s alleged dislike of the token.

Schwartz responded by saying that Powell did not hate XRP, but rather approached it with caution due to its regulatory grey area.

Powell had repeatedly raised concerns that if regulators eventually categorised XRP as a “security,” exchanges such as Kraken could face consequences despite having complied with existing laws at the time.

This regulatory uncertainty, Powell argued, created an “uneven risk” that forced exchanges to weigh potential compliance costs against trading opportunities.

His caution culminated in Kraken’s decision to suspend XRP trading for US customers, which Powell described as a business move rather than a personal stance.

Kraken’s decision to halt XRP trading in the US

Kraken’s suspension of XRP trading for US users was a direct result of regulatory pressure. Powell emphasised that the exchange acted to reduce exposure to potential enforcement actions.

The move aligned with similar actions taken by other major exchanges, which chose to delist or restrict XRP in response to concerns about its legal status.

By taking this step, Kraken aimed to protect itself from legal risks that could arise if regulators determined XRP to be a security.

The decision was framed as one made to safeguard the company’s long-term stability rather than an expression of hostility toward the token.

Debate resurfaces as Kraken targets IPO

The timing of the renewed discussion coincides with Kraken’s preparation for a possible IPO, during which it is reportedly seeking to raise $100 million.

The fundraising is aimed at securing a valuation of around $15 billion, positioning Kraken among the largest publicly listed crypto exchanges.

As the company returns to the spotlight, past controversies such as the XRP suspension have re-emerged, with online speculation drawing renewed attention.

Schwartz’s clarification on X sought to separate personal opinion from regulatory caution, stressing that Powell’s decisions were aligned with broader industry challenges rather than rooted in dislike of XRP.

Kraken maintains strong position in global trading

Despite the past suspension of XRP trading in the US, Kraken continues to be one of the most active exchanges worldwide. It reports over $1.3 billion in daily trading volume and offers more than 1,100 trading pairs.

Its prominence in the sector underscores its influence as it prepares for public listing, with regulatory compliance remaining a central theme in its growth strategy.

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Ripple CTO addresses XRP debate as Kraken eyes $15 billion IPO

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/ripple-cto-addresses-xrp-debate-as-kraken-eyes-15-billion-ipo/

XRP has staged a powerful rally, climbing to $3.45 after months of subdued price action.

The Ripple-affiliated token, which had remained below $2.20 for a prolonged period, has now broken through key resistance levels with strong momentum.

The recent price action has captured market attention, as technical indicators, surging volume, and a bullish structure continue to support further upside—though overbought signals are beginning to emerge.

XRP rally led by price breakout above key resistance levels

The sharp move came after XRP broke out of a textbook ascending triangle pattern earlier this month, clearing major resistance points with little pushback.

The rally accelerated after the token crossed $3.20, continuing its upward trajectory to the current $3.45 level. This breakout confirms a significant shift in market structure.

Technically, XRP’s moving averages remain aligned in a bullish formation, with the 50, 100, and 200-day exponential moving averages stacked in favour of continued upside.

This alignment acts as a support base for the token and could cushion any short-term pullbacks, provided sentiment remains strong.

However, the pace of the recent rally raises the possibility of increased volatility.

RSI climbs to almost 85

While price action remains positive, the relative strength index (RSI) has reached almost 85, indicating overbought territory.

Traditionally, such levels suggest that an asset may be overheated, though this alone does not imply an immediate reversal.

Assets in bullish phases can remain overbought for extended periods, especially during momentum-driven runs.

XRP appears to be following that pattern, with price strength fuelled by increased interest and speculative activity.

Nevertheless, traders may remain cautious as indicators begin to flash early warnings of potential exhaustion.

Trading volume spikes as retail interest surges

XRP’s recent gains have been accompanied by a notable increase in trading volume, suggesting broad market participation.

The rally is not solely driven by large holders, as retail traders have stepped in with renewed enthusiasm.

This wider involvement adds weight to the price action and distinguishes it from earlier, less sustainable breakouts.

The current momentum appears supported by fear of missing out, but sustaining it will require continued inflows and market confidence.

XRP eyes $3.60 as next upside target

With the token now trading at $3.45, market participants are watching the $3.60 mark as the next key level.

This aligns with Fibonacci extension levels and round-number resistance.

If volume and sentiment remain strong, XRP could continue its upward push toward this zone.

The technical setup still appears constructive, with the breakout pattern intact and moving averages acting as support.

However, the rapid ascent means that XRP remains vulnerable to any sudden shifts in sentiment or broader market pullbacks.

A retracement could occur if traders begin booking profits at current levels.

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XRP price hits $3.45 after breakout, technical signals show rally may extend

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/xrp-price-hits-3-45-after-breakout-technical-signals-show-rally-may-extend/

XRP has climbed from $1.94 to $2.24 in recent sessions, a 15% gain that marks a short-term recovery for the Ripple-associated token. However, despite the rise, concerns are building over its ability to hold or build on this momentum.

Although XRP is currently trading at $2.24, its price is down by 2.15% in the last 24 hours.

Analysts tracking blockchain data say large holders have begun offloading their positions, putting pressure on the altcoin just as it approaches a major resistance level at $2.27.

Blockchain data shows that wallets holding between 100 million and 1 billion XRP offloaded over 600 million tokens within 24 hours this week, reducing their collective balance to 7.7 billion XRP.

The value of the tokens sold stands at more than $1.2 billion. This selling activity signals rising uncertainty among large investors—also referred to as whales—about XRP’s ability to continue climbing in the current environment.

Long-term holders turn bearish

One of the key indicators of market conviction is the “age consumed” metric, which measures the activity of long-held tokens. This week, that metric spiked to a seven-month high, indicating a rise in selling among long-term holders (LTHs).

These LTHs are often viewed as stabilising forces in the market, and a decision by them to reduce exposure could suggest waning confidence in XRP’s long-term trajectory.

The scale of this shift is noteworthy because LTHs typically refrain from selling during volatile periods. Their decision to do so now introduces added downside risk and puts further pressure on price stability.

As more long-held XRP enters circulation, selling pressure could outpace buyer demand, leading to a potential retracement.

Price faces strong resistance at $2.27

At present, XRP is trading just below a resistance level that has remained intact for over a month. The $2.27 threshold has historically been a key barrier for the token.

Should XRP fail to break through this level, the next likely move would be a return to support around $2.13.

If sellers continue to dominate—especially those unloading large holdings—the momentum required to breach $2.27 may not materialise. Without a decisive push above this level, XRP risks losing its recent gains and returning to a more bearish trajectory.

However, a breakout above $2.27 could open the door to further gains, particularly if it flips this level into support. If that scenario plays out, XRP’s next resistance would come in at $2.32, followed by a possible move towards $2.45.

But with market sentiment currently mixed, the odds of this bullish move remain uncertain.

Market outlook depends on whale sentiment

Whether XRP continues its upward trend or reverses course will depend heavily on the behaviour of its largest investors.

If whales continue to exit their positions, retail demand may not be sufficient to absorb the supply, limiting the potential for further price growth.

The altcoin’s immediate future hinges on how it interacts with the $2.27 resistance zone. A failure here, combined with persistent sell pressure from long-term holders, could see XRP fall back to test support levels.

On the other hand, a sustained breakout, though less likely in the short term, would provide bulls with a chance to regain control.

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XRP price rises 15% to $2.24, but whale sell-off raises downside risk

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/xrp-price-rises-15-to-2-24-but-whale-sell-off-raises-downside-risk/

The ongoing legal battle between Ripple Labs and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has entered yet another phase of delay.

Both parties have now requested the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit to pause proceedings, this time until 15 August 2025, as they attempt to settle the matter out of court.

This request follows a series of developments in the case, including failed motions, revised penalty proposals, and ongoing efforts to lift an existing injunction against Ripple’s activities.

SEC and Ripple seek settlement and injunction relief

Ripple and the SEC have jointly filed a motion asking the district court to dissolve the permanent injunction imposed on Ripple Labs and reduce the financial penalty from $125 million to $50 million.

This is part of a larger attempt to resolve the case through a settlement rather than continuing with a protracted appeals process.

The background to this stems from April 2025, when the two sides submitted a request for an “indicative ruling” to modify a final judgment.

The aim was to allow Judge Analisa Torres to revise the court’s original orders in light of ongoing negotiations.

However, on 13 May, Judge Torres rejected the request, stating that the motion failed to meet the required “exceptional circumstances” standard needed to modify a final ruling under Rule 62.1.

Despite this setback, Ripple and the SEC returned with a new motion on June 12, again asking the court to reconsider the existing injunction and accept the revised $50 million settlement figure.

At the time of writing, this motion is still pending, and the court has not yet issued a decision.

SEC status update urges suspension until August 15

The SEC filed a new status report on 16 June, requesting that the appeals process be put on hold until at least 15 August.

The report argues that continuing the appeal during this interim period would be inefficient and potentially unnecessary if the district court rules in favour of the joint motion.

The pause has not yet been granted. The request remains under consideration by the Second Circuit.

Earlier this year, a similar delay had been requested, underscoring both parties’ shared interest in resolving the case through negotiation rather than extended litigation.

The strategy appears to be aimed at conserving resources and avoiding a drawn-out appeals process, which could stretch into 2026 without resolution.

XRP price steady amid legal uncertainty

Amid the legal developments, XRP has shown some resilience in the market.

As of the latest data, XRP is trading at $2.21, reflecting a modest rise in the past 24 hours. The token’s total market capitalisation currently stands at $130.5 billion.

Market watchers suggest that a favourable court ruling could potentially remove barriers for Ripple’s business operations and inject new momentum into the XRP token’s performance.

No final outcome has yet been reached, but if the district court agrees to dissolve the injunction and endorse the $50 million settlement, it could mark a turning point in the long-running regulatory conflict.

For now, all eyes remain on Judge Torres’ decision, and its potential impact on both Ripple and the broader crypto regulatory environment.

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Ripple case may be delayed as SEC, Ripple seek to finalise $50 million settlement

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/ripple-case-may-be-delayed-as-sec-ripple-seek-to-finalise-50-million-settlement/

Ripple Labs has announced a fresh $5 million investment to expand blockchain education and research across the Asia-Pacific region, strengthening its long-standing commitment to developing real-world blockchain applications through academic partnerships.

The new funding, revealed on June 10, is part of Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI), which now totals more than $11 million in regional support since its launch.

With this expansion, Ripple is reinforcing its presence in six countries, including deepening collaborations in South Korea, Japan, and Singapore, and forging new partnerships in Taiwan and Australia.

The initiative reflects Ripple’s broader strategy to nurture a global talent pipeline in blockchain technology, particularly through applied research on the XRP Ledger and related innovations.

Ripple is eyeing student innovation across top Asian universities

Ripple is focusing heavily on student-led innovation and academic research, targeting universities known for their influence in fintech and digital asset studies.

In South Korea, Ripple has renewed a $1.1 million partnership with Korea University, which will fund advanced blockchain research, including projects on privacy-preserving technologies such as zk-SNARKs and scalable layer-2 solutions.

This follows earlier collaborations with Yonsei University and Hanyang University, both of which are conducting research into secure blockchain infrastructures and decentralized finance models.

In Japan, Ripple continues to back the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University, where previous UBRI grants have already surpassed $1.5 million.

These institutions are playing a key role in exploring next-generation blockchain use cases, contributing directly to the region’s rising prominence in digital innovation.

Taiwan has joined the UBRI network with RWA tokenization focus

Ripple’s expansion into Taiwan marks a significant milestone for the UBRI program, with the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) becoming UBRI’s 60th global partner.

The university will explore the tokenization of real-world assets, an area gaining momentum in Taiwan’s financial sector, supported by initiatives from the Financial Supervisory Commission and leading financial institutions.

As part of the grant, NKUST will launch a student XRPL Builders Club and operate a validator node, offering students direct engagement with blockchain infrastructure.

Research at NKUST will also examine the cross-chain implications of tokenizing assets across XRPL, Ethereum, and Solana, as well as the policy and compliance challenges involved.

Singapore has ramped up AI-on-blockchain research

Ripple is also doubling down in Singapore, where funding now exceeds $3 million across two major institutions: Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the National University of Singapore (NUS).

At NTU, researchers are building an autonomous AI agent network on the XRP Ledger, aiming to develop a transparent and modular system for collaborative AI development using blockchain technology.

Meanwhile, Ripple’s renewed support for NUS will further initiatives such as the first university-based DAO in Asia, which was created through earlier UBRI backing.

These projects illustrate Ripple’s interest in the intersection of AI, decentralized governance, and real-world blockchain use cases.

Australia is seeing renewed academic ties and legal research

In Australia, Ripple has expanded its presence by partnering with Victoria University and renewing its long-term relationship with the Australian National University (ANU), raising its total academic investment in the country to $1.3 million.

Victoria University will focus on curriculum development to integrate blockchain into core educational programs, helping to equip students with industry-ready skills.

At ANU, Ripple’s funding supports ongoing research into blockchain law, virtual assets, and smart contract platforms, including the Layer 2 Evernode project built on XRPL.

Ripple also noted that ANU will continue publishing research through its Journal of Law and Technology while operating an XRPL validator to contribute to the network.

UBRI’s role in Ripple’s larger APAC strategy

The expanded UBRI investment aligns with Ripple’s broader push in the region, where it launched the XRPL Japan and Korea Fund in 2024 and partnered with Web3 Salon to support XRPL-based startups.

Ripple also remains a key investor in HashKey Capital’s XRP Tracker Fund, Asia’s first institutional investment fund centered on XRP.

This year’s UBRI Connect event will be hosted at the XRP Ledger Apex Summit, with a pre-summit hosted at NUS, underlining the growing role of APAC in shaping the future of blockchain.

With this $5 million boost, Ripple is not just funding research but laying a strategic foundation for blockchain adoption led by academia and student innovators across Asia.

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Ripple makes another $5M investment to expand UBRI in APAC

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/ripple-makes-another-5m-investment-to-expand-ubri-in-apac/

A new theory circulating among cryptocurrency and geopolitical analysts suggests that BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—may be working behind the scenes to develop a gold-backed financial system using Ripple’s XRP Ledger.

This comes as the bloc continues efforts to reduce dependency on the US-led SWIFT network and the dollar-dominated global economy.

While unconfirmed by any government, the theory is gaining attention due to mounting evidence of BRICS cooperation on currency independence and blockchain innovation.

How the US maintains dominance in global finance

The global financial system is largely underpinned by three core levers of Western influence: the dominance of the US dollar, the SWIFT interbank messaging system, and the liquidity framework governed by Western central banks.

SWIFT enables international banking communication and has become a tool for enforcing sanctions. In 2022, Russia was ejected from SWIFT as part of coordinated Western sanctions, prompting the Kremlin to accelerate efforts to create alternative channels for cross-border payments.

By cutting off access to dollar reserves and freezing foreign-held assets, the US has demonstrated the strategic power of financial infrastructure.

Countries seen as politically adversarial or non-aligned are increasingly wary of this system, viewing it as a vulnerability rather than a neutral platform for trade.

Why BRICS wants out of the dollar system

Each member of BRICS has its own incentive to reduce exposure to the dollar. Russia’s exclusion from SWIFT and asset seizures have forced it to pursue financial independence. China is seeking to insulate its growing economy from Western financial pressure.

India and Brazil are looking to increase autonomy in international settlements, while South Africa has expressed interest in strengthening regional currencies.

This shared objective has sparked renewed calls within the bloc for a new system of value exchange—one that does not rely on Western mechanisms.

BRICS nations have already discussed launching a shared currency backed by commodities, and gold is viewed as the most viable asset for such backing due to its stability and global acceptance.

XRP Ledger as a bridge for gold-backed trade

According to the theory, Ripple’s XRP Ledger could serve as the digital bridge between local currencies and a gold-backed reserve system. XRP was designed for high-volume institutional transfers, with a transaction time of 3-5 seconds and low fees.

Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, XRP offers scalability and predictable costs—key for governments and central banks processing large transactions.

In this model, BRICS would not issue a new public token but instead use XRP’s existing infrastructure to settle trades. Gold could be held in national vaults or regional repositories, and XRP would be the mechanism through which value is transferred quickly and securely.

This would allow BRICS countries to bypass SWIFT and the dollar, while maintaining compliance and auditability through the XRP Ledger.

Strategic signals and unconfirmed moves

Although no official confirmation exists that BRICS is actively testing or adopting XRP, several developments have drawn speculation. Russia has already proposed a gold-pegged stablecoin for cross-border trade with friendly nations.

China continues to expand its digital yuan pilot. Ripple has also been expanding its presence in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America—regions aligned with BRICS interests.

The theory remains speculative, but it is rooted in a broader trend of de-dollarisation and growing interest in blockchain-based infrastructure for sovereign financial systems.

Analysts argue that if BRICS succeeds in deploying a decentralised, asset-backed settlement model, it could reshape the future of international finance and challenge the existing power structures dominated by the West.

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BRICS may adopt Ripple’s XRP to bypass dollar in gold-backed trade push

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/brics-may-adopt-ripples-xrp-to-bypass-dollar-in-gold-backed-trade-push/