Ripple CEO Hails Turning Point: “US Is Finally Unlocked” for Crypto Growth

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse says the U.S. is undergoing a major shift in crypto regulation, calling it an “unlocked” market after years of stagnation. In an interview with Fox Business, Garlinghouse emphasized that people are underestimating the significance of this change. This comes shortly after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dropped its appeal against Ripple—a move seen as a turning point for the company and the broader crypto space.

Garlinghouse highlighted a noticeable increase in interest from U.S. banks that were previously hesitant about engaging in crypto. “They’re leaning in now,” he noted. The shift follows the appointment of new leadership at the SEC, which has adopted a more crypto-friendly stance, including scrapping the controversial SAB 121 rule that made crypto custody difficult for banks.

In addition to regulatory softening, the SEC has formed a task force to draft clear crypto regulations. Garlinghouse believes this new direction will allow the U.S. to finally catch up to global crypto leaders like Japan, the UAE, and Singapore. He also expressed optimism about the upcoming stablecoin bill, expected to go to vote in four to eight weeks, which recently passed the U.S. Senate Banking Committee.

Ripple, which has long criticized the U.S. for lagging behind, now sees hope in the evolving regulatory climate. Garlinghouse reminded the public that XRP was officially declared a non-security in 2023, setting a crucial legal precedent. He anticipates that a market structure bill, defining the status of cryptocurrencies, could pass within six months. He says these developments will bring regulatory clarity, unlocking innovation, job growth, and capital formation in the U.S. crypto sector.