Ripple’s CEO Brad Garlinghouse suggested that XRP token holders could potentially gain “something special” should the company decide to go public, though he stressed this is not currently a priority. Speaking on the Crypto In America podcast during XRP Las Vegas, Garlinghouse addressed ongoing debates within the XRP community about whether token holders should share more directly in the firm’s expanding corporate success.
Garlinghouse acknowledged Ripple’s significant valuation, reportedly around $50 billion in a recent share buyback, which has fueled discussions about offering XRP holders a direct stake in the company’s financial gains. When asked about options such as token buybacks or other mechanisms that would financially benefit XRP holders, he refrained from committing to any immediate plans. Instead, he emphasized Ripple’s role in enhancing XRP’s value through product development, infrastructure expansion, and partnerships that aim to increase the token’s utility and liquidity.
He noted, however, that in the event Ripple goes public, there might be a chance to implement special benefits for XRP holders, though he clearly framed this as a distant possibility rather than a concrete plan. In his words, the priority now is not pursuing a public offering but focusing on Ripple’s ongoing business strategy and ecosystem growth.
Garlinghouse also cited recent underwhelming performances of crypto-related IPOs, such as those by BitGo and Gemini, as well as delays in Kraken’s listing plans, as reasons why Ripple is cautious about rushing into public markets. Maintaining private ownership enables the company more flexibility in its decision-making and communications.
While Ripple’s valuation and market presence position it as a candidate for a potential IPO, the CEO portrayed this move as a long-term consideration, leaving open the possibility of future shareholder benefits tied to XRP ownership but without promising any near-term actions.