While XRP was initially launched to become the primary digital currency for banks, similar to a "SWIFT killer" for cross-border settlements, it hasn't been widely adopted by major financial institutions. Instead, banks are focused on their own internal systems and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Despite this, the article argues that XRP has found new and meaningful use cases that are driving its continued growth.
Instead of being a "bank rail," XRP is becoming a "people's rail" for remittances. In countries like Mexico, the Philippines, India, and Nigeria, it is used by platforms such as goLance to provide instant and low-cost payments for freelancers and workers. This is a significant improvement over traditional banking, which can take days and charge high fees.
XRP is also proving valuable for small and mid-sized businesses (SMEs). These companies are not looking to replace banks but simply need faster and cheaper ways to pay suppliers and teams abroad. For example, SBI Japan has launched an XRP-based service for remittances, demonstrating how adoption is growing outside of traditional finance, particularly in Asia.
Beyond payments, XRP is also finding a place in the broader internet economy. Its speed and low fees make it a strong contender for micropayments in areas like gaming, streaming, and IoT. The XRP Ledger itself is expanding with new features like decentralized exchanges and tokenized assets, which further increases XRP's value as a bridge currency.
In a future dominated by CBDCs, the article suggests that XRP could serve as a reserve-like asset. As transaction fees gradually reduce its supply, its scarcity could make it an attractive long-term asset, providing an alternative to central bank-controlled digital currencies.
Ultimately, the idea that XRP's success hinges on banks is outdated. It has found a diverse range of use cases in remittances, SME payments, and the digital economy, proving that it can thrive even without large-scale bank adoption.
September 2025, Cryptoniteuae