Despite Criticism, Ripple's Substantial XRP Reserves Could Be One of Its Greatest Strategic Assets

Ripple’s substantial control over the supply of XRP has often been criticized as a risk to decentralization. However, recent arguments from industry voices suggest this reserve could be one of the company's strongest strategic assets in driving XRP’s long-term utility and market value.

Recently, there has been criticism regarding Ripple’s substantial control over the supply of XRP, which some view as a risk factor for decentralization. However, industry voices are highlighting how this reserve could be one of the company’s strongest strategic assets in driving XRP’s long-term utility and market value.

According to researcher Anders, a recognized member of the XRP community, Ripple’s significant XRP holdings give the company a direct financial incentive to ensure the success of the XRP Ledger. He suggests that if Ripple owned little or no XRP, its commitment to the growth of the XRPL ecosystem might not be as strong.

According to Anderson, Ripple’s position as a major token holder naturally aligns the company’s objectives with the advancement of the asset’s infrastructure and adoption.

He also drew parallels with key figures in the broader crypto space, such as Michael Saylor with Bitcoin and Ethereum’s early investors, who have historically played important roles in promoting the networks in which they are heavily invested. This, he argues, reinforces the idea that large holders are often the most motivated to support ecosystem development.

Further backing Anderson’s position are insights from Miguel Vias, who previously served as Ripple’s Head of XRP Markets. During his time at Ripple, Vias was responsible for building liquidity and the necessary infrastructure to support XRP’s use in global markets.

One of the advantages, according to Vias, is Ripple’s ability to offer XRP to professional market participants through lending mechanisms. This helps enhance liquidity and stabilize the market, an approach that, he noted, is significantly more difficult with assets like Bitcoin due to their different market dynamics.

Vias also highlighted Ripple’s capability to subsidize liquidity in emerging or underserved payment corridors. This allows the company to support adoption in regions that lack sufficient market depth until natural demand takes over. He emphasized that liquidity is a key driver of both usefulness and price.

As XRP becomes more liquid, it is more easily usable across a range of applications, which in turn can positively impact its valuation.

According to data from Balandis and Blockware Solutions, Ripple’s total XRP holdings have decreased slightly. As of early May, the company controls approximately 41.43 billion XRP, comprising 4.906 billion in spendable wallets and around 36.53 billion held in escrow. This is a slight decrease from the previous total of 42.51 billion reported at the end of 2024. Based on current market prices, Ripple’s XRP assets are valued at over $104 billion.

With such substantial financial strength, Ripple has taken steps to expand its influence in the financial services industry. In April, the company completed the acquisition of Hidden Road, a prime brokerage firm. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has indicated that this move is part of a broader plan to acquire institutions that can further integrate XRP into mainstream financial infrastructure.

Analysts believe the inclusion of Hidden Road could help unlock trillions in potential transaction flows by deepening the token’s presence in global finance.

While criticism surrounding Ripple’s XRP holdings persists, supporters argue that these reserves are being used strategically to boost the token’s utility and encourage broader adoption. The alignment of Ripple’s interests with XRP’s growth, paired with its financial capabilities, may ultimately prove beneficial for the ecosystem as a whole.

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