- Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse says he’s not an XRP maxi and supports Bitcoin’s success.
- He backs a multi-chain crypto future, with Bitcoin and XRP coexisting and cooperating.
- He also highlights AI-driven growth and cautious optimism over improving US regulation.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has pushed back against crypto tribalism, stressing that he is not exclusively tied to XRP and wants Bitcoin to thrive alongside it.
Speaking during an interview at Consensus 2026, Garlinghouse said the industry’s strength lies in its communities. However, he warned that division between them could slow progress.
Multi-Chain Future, Not One Winner
Garlinghouse made it clear that he does not believe in a single dominant blockchain. According to him, the future of crypto will be built on multiple networks working together rather than competing for total dominance.
He reiterated that he has “never been an XRP maxi,” adding that it’s unrealistic to expect a one-chain world. Instead, he sees a multi-chain ecosystem where assets like Bitcoin and XRP can coexist and serve different use cases.
At the same time, he expressed optimism about XRP’s growth, citing growing activity within its community and ecosystem. He described recent engagement, including events like XRP Las Vegas, as a sign of rising momentum.
XRP Community Support and Ripple’s Role
Garlinghouse acknowledged the strong backing from the XRP community, the “XRP Army,” calling them a key force behind the project’s visibility and adoption.
He emphasized that while Ripple holds a large amount of XRP, it does not control the network. Instead, the company’s focus is on improving XRP’s utility, liquidity, and trust through its products, acquisitions, and broader ecosystem development.
According to him, Ripple’s long-term strategy is centered on accelerating adoption rather than dominating the network.
AI as a Growth Catalyst for Crypto
Garlinghouse also pointed to artificial intelligence as a major driver for the next phase of blockchain growth. He described AI as an “unlock” that can help speed up development, improve efficiency, and expand adoption across the industry.
Within Ripple, he noted that AI is already being used across operations, from finance and marketing to engineering. He revealed that a large share of the company’s code is now assisted or generated by AI, helping teams move faster and focus on higher-level tasks.
However, he clarified that AI is not being used to reduce staff but to boost productivity and innovation.
Optimism Around U.S. Regulation
On regulation, Garlinghouse expressed cautious optimism about progress in the United States. He pointed to recent developments in Congress, including growing bipartisan support, as a positive signal for the industry.
While acknowledging that clear rules are not fully in place yet, he said the direction of travel is encouraging and could provide the legal clarity needed for broader adoption.
Crypto’s Image Is Changing
Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, Garlinghouse noted that crypto is no longer viewed as negatively as it once was. He recalled earlier skepticism from global financial leaders but said perceptions have shifted significantly in recent years.
“We have come as an industry a very long way where, you know, crypto is no longer a bad word,” Garlinghouse remarked.
In sum, his message centered on collaboration over competition, as the success of crypto depends on multiple networks growing together rather than competing in isolation.
Related: David Schwartz Says Crypto Could Be a “Once-in-a-Generation” Opportunity
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