Ripple's Strategic Shift Towards Mainstream Adoption Amid Geopolitical Challenges

I believe that Ripple is gradually shifting perceptions around on-chain transactions, especially with over 300 banking partnerships highlighting its growing mainstream acceptance. Despite 13 years of daily on-chain transaction volume, I think many institutions still prefer off-chain digital asset usage due to historical reasons and security concerns. As more organizations recognize the advantages of blockchain technology, this slow but steady transition could accelerate Ripple's position in cross-border payments. The discussion about XRP's volatility versus stablecoins reveals interesting dynamics. While volatility might seem negative, it can also be advantageous for growth potential. For risk-tolerant investors, holding XRP can be attractive due to its upside potential, especially if it becomes a preferred intermediate currency in global transactions. Ripple's approach to maintaining liquidity and dealing with security issues, like terrorist funding concerns, demonstrates the caution necessary for mainstream adoption. The future role of stablecoins remains debated. Although a single stablecoin dominating all currency pairs could diminish the need for intermediary tokens, the current diversity and jurisdictional issues suggest that multiple stable assets will coexist. Ripple's XRP and other cryptocurrencies could still serve critical roles in tokenized securities and complex financial products, maintaining their relevance. Regarding large institutions like BlackRock using XRPL for tokenization instead of creating proprietary blockchains, I see the value in interoperability and asset portability. This aligns with why organizations like Circle choose to issue USDC on widely accepted blockchains rather than building from scratch. Multi-chain compatibility enhances scalability and liquidity, which are essential for institutional use. Lastly, the geopolitical risks associated with trusting US-based private payment networks are valid concerns. However, Ripple’s infrastructure, not being based solely in the US, along with its licensing in multiple jurisdictions, helps mitigate some trust issues. Trust in a global payment network depends on its neutrality, compliance, and transparency, especially in sensitive regions. Overall, Ripple's strategic positioning and technological capabilities suggest a steady move towards greater adoption in international finance, with ongoing challenges primarily around regulatory trust and network interoperability.