XRP holders’ lawyer, John Deaton, has praised Ripple’s resilience and long-term focus in overcoming regulatory strain, which has led to a thriving firm. Deaton’s applause got here as a response to Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s New Yr message, which highlighted important milestones of the corporate.
How Ripple achieved $40 billion valuation
Notably, Deaton said that given the corporate’s achievement in 2025, even those that hate Ripple should admit the large accomplishments.
He believes that Ripple’s skill to perform a lot in 2025 regardless of broader regulatory strain and challenges stays commendable.
Ripple has had an extended, drawn-out authorized battle with the U.S. Securities and Trade Fee (SEC) for about 5 years. The lawsuit, which commenced in 2020, lastly concluded in 2025 with a $125 million tremendous, however the court docket upheld XRP’s non-security standing. This resolution was thought-about an enormous milestone within the digital asset area.
Regardless of that problem, Ripple at present stands at a $40 billion valuation.
Deaton maintains the accomplishment can solely be pulled off by a “legendary” agency. He’s implying that different corporations may have collapsed or shut down operations because of the powerful check that it handed by in 2025.
The $40 billion valuation was achieved by acquisitions like Ripple Prime and GTreasury in addition to its international growth.
GTreasury, which was acquired in December 2025 for $1 billion, is supposed to additional rework cross-border funds. Ripple intends to leverage it to beat the challenges of trapped liquidity, gradual settlement and excessive transaction prices within the conventional banking system.
Ripple’s utility-first technique positions XRP for institutional adoption
Based on Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple plans to remain centered on remodeling crypto-based merchandise like XRP and Ripple USD stablecoin (RLUSD). He emphasised that Ripple will transfer away from chasing market hypes and cycles to real-world utility.
Curiously, Garlinghouse hinted that the current inexperienced gentle on the U.Ok. Digital Cash Establishment license will make 2026 extra exceptional for the corporate. It is because Ripple now holds a really complete licensing portfolio that will allow it to ship regulated crypto infrastructure throughout the area.
On his half, Ripple’s government Reece Merrick has predicted that the crypto sector is more likely to see elevated institutional adoption in 2026. Merrick opines that crypto is now not an non-obligatory asset because of speedy modifications and supportive laws just like the GENIUS Act.

