Why Ripple Will Never Abandon XRP, Research Paper Reveals

A research paper cited by XRP community researcher SMQKE is reinforcing a long-standing belief among supporters. Specifically, it stressed that Ripple is unlikely to abandon XRP, as the asset remains deeply within its payment infrastructure.

The document was published in Advances in Economics, Business and Management Research. It outlines how XRP continues to play a central role in Ripple’s cross-border payment ecosystem, particularly through RippleNet.

Key Points

• A research paper says XRP remains central to Ripple’s payment infrastructure and long-term strategy.
• Ripple Payments relies on XRP as a liquidity bridge for fast, efficient cross-border transfers.
• The study highlights XRP’s role in reducing delays, improving security, and enabling seamless value exchange.
• Despite RLUSD launch, Ripple maintains XRP is integral, backed by institutional adoption and use cases.

RippleNet’s Dependence on XRP

According to the research, RippleNet (now Ripple Payments) relies heavily on XRP as a medium of exchange. This dependency suggests that as long as Ripple’s payment network is active, XRP will continue to function as a key liquidity bridge.

The paper explains that XRP helps address common concerns in digital payments, such as double-spending risks. Faster transaction speeds reduce the waiting time typically associated with traditional systems. This improves both security and efficiency in value transfers.

In essence, the study argues that XRP’s utility is not theoretical; it is built into the operational framework of RippleNet itself.

XRP as a Global Bridge Asset

The research also highlights Ripple’s ambition for XRP beyond its current use case. The company has previously explored positioning XRP as a neutral bridge asset in the context of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

This suggests XRP could facilitate interoperability among fiat systems, enabling smoother cross-border transactions without reliance on traditional intermediaries. By pushing XRP toward larger platforms, Ripple seeks to expand its real-world use rather than phasing it out.

Institutional Adoption Strengthens the Case

Another key point raised in the paper is the growing list of financial institutions connected to Ripple’s network. Major global players like Bank of America and Santander are cited as participants in the ecosystem.

This institutional involvement adds weight to XRP’s long-term relevance. Additionally, Ripple’s funding history, including a $500 million round in 2025 from major Wall Street giants, reflects continued investor confidence in its business model and underlying technology.

Long-Term Outlook

The paper concludes that XRP will continue to coexist with Ripple Labs for the foreseeable future, supported by its role in value transfer, network security, and overall system efficiency.

However, it also notes potential risks that could shape its trajectory. These include tightening global regulations and emerging technologies that may compete with blockchain-based solutions.

Notably, Ripple has also launched a stablecoin, RLUSD, which now complements XRP in its payment operations. Some commentators have argued that the company is abandoning XRP in favor of a stable asset. However, Ripple executives have continued to stress that XRP remains integral to their operations.

“XRP is our north star,” as CEO Brad Garlinghouse has famously said.