Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, has announced a clear financial target for the company in 2026: a $1 billion annual revenue run rate. This goal specifically excludes any income from Ripple’s XRP holdings, emphasizing the firm’s focus on operational earnings rather than token-related gains. The separation aims to address long-standing questions about the connection between Ripple’s business performance and XRP’s market value.
The company has broadened its service offerings beyond traditional cross-border payments. In 2025, Ripple acquired prime broker Hidden Road for $1.25 billion, adding credit, clearing, and prime brokerage to its portfolio. Hidden Road reportedly handles about $3 trillion in annual transaction volume. This acquisition supports Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD, which is being promoted for enterprise settlements and as collateral. Additionally, Ripple has introduced new payment tools tied to AI agents and machine payments on the XRP Ledger, including the XRPL AI Starter Kit.
Custody, treasury management, and liquidity services now form core parts of Ripple’s business, targeting banks and corporations that require faster settlements and regulated digital asset access. These offerings are designed to meet institutional needs rather than retail trading demands.
XRP’s market activity remains distinct from Ripple’s revenue streams. As of mid-June 2026, XRP traded near $1.15, with XRP-linked ETFs seeing inflows for five consecutive weeks, adding about $10.68 million in one week. This occurred even as Bitcoin and Ethereum funds experienced outflows, showing that investor interest in XRP can diverge from Ripple’s operational performance.
Regulatory developments also play a role in Ripple’s strategy. The CLARITY Act, which advanced through a Senate committee vote in May 2026, aims to provide clearer rules for digital assets. Garlinghouse supports such legislation, arguing that banks need legal certainty to expand crypto services. Ripple’s expansion into automated payments, including AI-driven tools, positions the company to capitalize on a more defined regulatory environment.