Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Advocates Crypto Collaboration, Dismissing Idea of Favoring Any Single Digital Asset

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has reignited debates on crypto maximalism, arguing for industry-wide collaboration. He stressed the importance of a multichain future and dismissed the idea of favoring any single digital asset.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has reignited debates on crypto maximalism, arguing for industry-wide collaboration. He stressed the importance of a multichain future and dismissed the idea of favoring any single digital asset. Meanwhile, Bitcoin analyst Willy Woo pushed back, saying XRP is unsuitable for the US National Reserve due to its centralized nature.

Ripple CEO Advocates Crypto Collaboration

In an interview with CNBC, Garlinghouse criticized the dominance of crypto maximalism, a mindset that favors one cryptocurrency over all others. He highlighted the need for a balanced approach where all digital assets coexist without competition.

“I own multiple cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP. I believe in a diverse market. If the US were to create a digital asset reserve, it should represent the entire ecosystem. No token, whether XRP or Bitcoin, should take precedence. I'm not advocating for XRP specifically, but rather for an inclusive approach that benefits the whole industry,” said Garlinghouse.

His statement sparked reactions from Bitcoin supporters, who argue that BTC’s neutrality and widespread recognition make it a better option for a national reserve asset. Many pointed out that XRP’s connection to Ripple—a company that depends on US regulatory decisions—could limit its global appeal.

Bitcoin Expert Questions Ripple’s Global Trustworthiness

Bitcoin analyst Willy Woo took to Twitter to question XRP’s potential as a reserve currency, given its centralized control.

“Dear CEO of XRP, living in the US, tell me which countries would buy US-controlled XRP if the strategic reserve needed to be put to work. BTC is a geopolitically neutral asset like Gold. You’re gaslighting people into thinking XRP is a strategic reserve asset,” wrote Woo.

He compared Bitcoin to gold, saying its decentralized nature strengthens its role in international finance. Woo claimed Bitcoin is independent of government influence, unlike XRP, which faces regulatory scrutiny.

His criticism suggested that XRP’s reliance on Ripple—a company that is subject to US regulatory decisions—weakens its case for being included in a national or global reserve.

The Bitcoin strategist went on to accuse Garlinghouse of misleading investors by positioning Ripple as a global reserve asset. He argued that the token’s dependency on Ripple contradicts its decentralized claims.

“Gaslighting investors into thinking XRP is a decentralized chain suitable for a strategic reserve of the world, when it depends on the company Ripple and its US regulatory status for its value proposition. XRP is not neutral like gold or BTC,” said Woo.

His remarks are likely to further stoke tensions within the crypto community over the future of Ripple and XRP.

XRP Price Remains Flat Amid Market Uncertainty

At the time of writing, XRP’s price stood at $3.11, with a 43% decrease in trading volume, which now amounts to $8 billion.

Market sentiment appeared divided, with tensions escalating between Bitcoin and XRP supporters. The ongoing debates over XRP’s role in the financial system and the arguments over its suitability for a national reserve are contributing to the token’s price stagnation.

Despite the market uncertainty, Ripple has secured Money Transmitter Licenses in New York and Texas. This development signals increased regulatory acceptance of Ripple’s operations in the US.

Investors are keeping a close watch on potential policy changes under the current administration, which may impact the regulatory landscape for digital assets.

Some experts still speculate that XRP could be included in a national reserve, given its increasing adoption. However, Bitcoin proponents are likely to continue advocating for BTC as the superior strategic asset.

The ongoing debate highlights the divide between centralized and decentralized digital assets in global finance.