XRP Ledger Poised to Disrupt Traditional Finance—CTO Drops Bold Vision

Ripple's tech chief David Schwartz just threw down the gauntlet—the XRP Ledger isn't just for crypto anymore. It's gearing up to bulldoze its way into mainstream finance.

The quiet powerhouse behind XRP transactions is eyeing bigger prey: cross-border settlements, tokenized assets, and maybe even those sluggish legacy systems banks won't stop bragging about. Schwartz sees rails where Wall Street sees roadblocks.

Of course, the real question isn't whether distributed ledgers can handle finance—it's whether finance can handle losing its 2% transaction fee lunch money.

 TLDR

• David Schwartz confirmed that the XRP Ledger will support more than just the XRP token.
• He stated that XRPL will include stablecoins, tokenized assets, and various lending options.
• Schwartz clarified that XRPL, XRP, and RLUSD together form a decentralized financial system.
• He explained that a decentralized exchange needs multiple assets to function properly.
• Schwartz said Ripple aims to deliver key financial services like payments, loans, and investments using XRPL.

Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, emphasized the broader potential of the XRP Ledger (XRPL) beyond its native token. He outlined a future where XRPL supports stablecoins, real-world asset tokenization, loans, and decentralized exchanges. Schwartz clarified that XRPL is part of a larger financial system when paired with other Ripple tools.

XRP Ledger Expands Beyond XRP

Schwartz confirmed that XRPL will not rely solely on XRP for its functionality and reach. He highlighted that XRP Ledger already supports multiple assets, including stablecoins and tokenized instruments. This diversification aims to position XRPL as a base LAYER for broad financial activities.

The XRPL is more than just XRP. There are stablecoins, there will be tokenized real world assets, loans of all kinds of things. A DEX doesn't work with just one asset.

But XRP has a privileged place on XRPL. It's the only asset that any account can receive. It's the only asset…

— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) June 4, 2025

He pointed out that XRP is essential to the ledger, but not the sole element powering its ecosystem. While XRP remains the only counterparty-free asset, XRPL will host various use cases requiring more asset types. As a result, the system will grow in both complexity and financial scope.

A decentralized exchange (DEX) built on XRP Ledger will need multiple assets to operate effectively. Schwartz noted that XRP alone cannot fulfill the requirements of a fully functioning DEX. Therefore, XRPL must support other assets to enable deeper liquidity and real-world usage.

RLUSD and Financial System Integration

In a discussion with journalist Vincent Scott, Schwartz acknowledged the structure of a Ripple-powered financial stack. Scott asked whether XRP Ledger, XRP, and RLUSD together form a decentralized financial system. Schwartz replied that this setup can be considered a valid financial infrastructure.

The combination of RLUSD as a stable unit of account and XRP Ledger as a payment method adds practical utility. XRP serves as the bridge for asset exchange, enabling efficient transaction processing across the system. This integration could support payments, lending, and investment functions.

Schwartz added that Ripple’s broader vision includes replicating essential financial services using blockchain tools. He expects this system to handle a significant portion of daily financial needs in the NEAR future. As adoption grows, the XRP Ledger ecosystem will reflect traditional financial functions but on a decentralized infrastructure.

Ripple CTO Seeks Clarity On Token Links

Schwartz addressed public concerns around new tokens like TRUMP Coin, calling its wallet launch a confusing situation. He indicated that transparency is needed to confirm any official association. This reflects Ripple’s emphasis on clarity and structured development within the XRP Ledger framework.

He also responded to claims about XRP’s legal status, indirectly supporting regulatory confidence around the asset. Attorney Bill Morgan dismissed such claims, stating the lack of clarity is misleading. These discussions reinforce Ripple’s push to define XRP Ledger’s and XRP’s roles more clearly.