Ripple (XRP-USD) Might Not Be a Household Name, But It's One of the Wealthiest Companies in Crypto

Ripple (XRP-USD) might not be a household name like Bitcoin or Ethereum, but make no mistake—it's one of the wealthiest companies in the crypto world.

Despite not being a household name like Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) or Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), Ripple (CRYPTO: XRP) is one of the wealthiest companies in the crypto world.

With a $25 billion war chest that would make most blockchain startups jealous, Ripple has quietly turned itself into a financial powerhouse without even touching the IPO market.

Here's a look at how Ripple is building wealth without going public and what this means for the future of the company and its native token, XRP.

What Is Ripple Capable Of?

While most crypto firms are scrambling to raise capital through token launches or stock listings, Ripple is sitting comfortably.

“Companies typically want to go public for exposure and deeper liquidity, while Ripple doesn’t need either,” Ripple President Monica Long said at Paris Blockchain Week. In short: they’ve got the cash, and they’re not in a rush.

So how did Ripple get so rich without going public or taking on huge amounts of debt? It comes down to two key revenue streams:

* XRP: Ripple still holds a massive stash of XRP, the native token used in its payment network. Even after distributing billions of XRP to customers and partners, estimates suggest that Ripple still controls around 40 billion XRP. At today's prices, that's a staggering $25 billion.

* Operating business: Then there's the company's core business, which includes RippleNet and its growing line of enterprise payment products. Together, these ventures generate a stream of income that further contributes to Ripple's financial standing.

Cash and XRP Give Ripple a Strategic Edge

This financial cushion gives Ripple a lot of room to play offense. While others are tightening belts, Ripple is actively exploring mergers and acquisitions. According to The Block, the company is “on the lookout for strategic opportunities” and has already acquired firms like Metaco, a Swiss digital asset custodian, and Hidden Road, a prime brokerage it bought for $1.25 billion.

The company also recently won a partial victory in its long-running legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, removing a cloud that had hung over its expansion efforts for years.

No Ripple IPO? No Problem

Now, some analysts have been speculating about a potential Ripple IPO in 2024. But considering the company's vast cash reserves and lack of urgent need for capital, it seems more likely that they'll continue on their current path of strategic expansion.

They're not interested in a quick payout; they're focused on building lasting value. And with a unique combination of a valuable crypto token and a growing enterprise business, Ripple has the potential to become an enduring force in the evolving digital asset industry.

XRP Holds Steady as Ripple Flexes Strength

In other news, XRP has been heating up. The token is up more than 11% since the start of the month.

That's no small feat in a market where many altcoins are slipping and Bitcoin has faced some resistance around the $70,000 level.

Traders say Ripple's strong legal standing, deep reserves, and real-world utility might give XRP more staying power than the average crypto token.

As one trader put it on X, previously known as Twitter: "When you’ve got a company this cash-rich behind a token, the floor is a lot higher than people think."

To be sure, XRP isn't immune to volatility. Macroeconomic pressure, U.S. trade policy, and market sentiment will continue to drive short-term moves.

But in the long run, Ripple's strength may give XRP something most altcoins lack — staying power backed by actual financial firepower.