Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse to Testify Before Congress on Crypto Market Structure and XRP’s Regulatory Future

In a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency industry, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is set to testify before the US Congress next week. The hearing, scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00 AM ET, will focus on crypto market structure and aims to address critical issues such as regulatory clarity for digital assets. Key topics include the classification of decentralized protocols and the legal treatment of open-source developers under federal law. This testimony comes at a crucial time for XRP, as the outcome could significantly influence its regulatory standing and future market performance. Industry leaders, including Kristin Smith of the Blockchain Association, are also expected to contribute to the discussion. The crypto community is closely watching this event, as it may pave the way for clearer guidelines and foster greater institutional adoption of digital assets like XRP. With the current date being July 21, 2025, this hearing could mark a turning point in the ongoing debate over cryptocurrency regulation in the United States.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse to Testify in Congress on Crypto Market Structure

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse will testify before the US Congress next week in a hearing focused on crypto market structure. The session, scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00 AM ET, aims to address regulatory clarity for digital assets, particularly the classification of decentralized protocols and the treatment of open-source developers under federal law.

Industry leaders, including Kristin Smith of the Blockchain Association and Jonathan Levin of Chainalysis, will join Garlinghouse in providing testimony. Republican lawmakers are expected to push for greater legal certainty, a MOVE that could significantly influence future cryptocurrency legislation in the United States.

The hearing follows Ripple's prolonged legal battle with the SEC, which provided limited clarity on XRP's status. Attorney John E Deaton has highlighted the ongoing ambiguity, underscoring the need for definitive regulatory frameworks.

XRP Maintains Central Role in Ripple Ecosystem Despite RLUSD Stablecoin Launch

Ripple's newly launched stablecoin RLUSD is designed to complement rather than replace XRP, according to analysis by crypto analyst Jungle Inc. The regulated stablecoin, already live on both XRP Ledger and Ethereum, serves as a fiat bridge for institutions seeking blockchain integration without exposure to XRP's volatility.

The XRP Ledger's EVM Sidechain development reinforces XRP's utility, requiring the token for gas fees in Ethereum-compatible smart contracts. With RLUSD achieving a $485 million market cap and institutional adoption underway, Ripple continues expanding its financial infrastructure while maintaining XRP's foundational role.

Ripple Shifts XRP Escrow Strategy as Whale Activity Sparks Market Speculation

Ripple executed a staggered 1 billion XRP release this month, diverging from its typical bulk escrow unlock at month-start. The company unlocked 500 million XRP on July 1 followed by another 500 million on July 4, relocking 700 million and allocating 300 million for ecosystem growth. This marks a continued departure from Ripple's historical escrow patterns since March.

Whale Alert tracked two major transactions: a 500 million XRP escrow release ($1.12B) and a subsequent 225 million XRP transfer ($500M) between unknown wallets. Such movements typically precede market volatility, with whale sell-offs often creating downward pressure on prices.

The unlocked funds are earmarked for expanding Ripple's On-Demand Liquidity solutions and exchange-traded products. Market observers note the split-unlock approach suggests Ripple is adopting more dynamic treasury management tactics amid evolving regulatory conditions.

XRP vs SEC Lawsuit Nears Conclusion as Judge Torres' Role Ends

The protracted legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has reached a critical juncture. Former SEC attorney Marc Fagel confirms Judge Analisa Torres will play no further role in proceedings. Her landmark ruling—which found XRP not to be a security in retail transactions—will automatically take effect upon formal dismissal of appeals by both parties.

Neither Ripple nor the SEC has yet filed motions to withdraw their appeals, despite public statements suggesting such moves are imminent. The recent closed-door SEC meeting appears unrelated to the case, according to legal observers. Market participants now await the final resolution, which could set precedent for how cryptocurrencies are regulated in the United States.

Ripple and Tenity Launch XRPL Accelerator Program in Singapore

Ripple has partnered with Swiss fintech incubator Tenity to introduce the XRPL Accelerator in Singapore, targeting blockchain startups across the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative offers up to $200,000 in grants to foster innovation on the XRP Ledger, with a focus on real-world asset tokenization and institutional adoption.

Singapore's fintech ecosystem provides an ideal backdrop for the 12-week program, which combines funding with mentorship from industry leaders. The collaboration underscores Ripple's strategic push into APAC's growing blockchain market while leveraging Tenity's expertise in scaling early-stage fintech ventures.

Did SEC’s Closed-Door Meeting Mark the End of XRP Lawsuit? Judge Torres Steps Aside

Speculation flared in the XRP community following the SEC's undisclosed meeting, with social media chatter suggesting the agency might abandon its appeal against Ripple as early as today. Legal clarity emerged when former SEC attorney Marc Fagel clarified that Judge Analisa Torres—who previously ruled Ripple violated securities laws and imposed a $125 million penalty—no longer holds jurisdiction over the case.

The fate of the litigation now rests solely with the opposing parties. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has signaled willingness to withdraw appeals, though no formal motion has been filed. Market observers await definitive action that could conclude this landmark crypto enforcement saga.