The world of cryptocurrency is often marked by fluctuating fortunes and unexpected endorsements, and the latest development comes from none other than Goldman Sachs. In its recent Q4 2025 13F filing, the investment titan disclosed a staggering $2.36 billion in cryptocurrency holdings, with XRP taking center stage at $153 million.
This significant investment places Goldman Sachs among the largest U.S. banks with exposure to crypto-linked assets, a trend that’s drawing increasing attention from institutional investors. The bank’s crypto portfolio is notably diverse, encompassing $11 billion in Bitcoin, $10 billion in Ethereum, and $108 million in Solana, highlighting a robust belief in the future of digital assets.
Digging deeper into Goldman’s XRP exposure reveals that it primarily stems from exchange-traded funds, with these vehicles accounting for nearly the entire $152 million stake. This heavy investment strategy signifies a strategic pivot for traditional finance as it gradually embraces cryptocurrencies.
Amid this backdrop, Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, emerged at XRP Community Day expressing clear confidence in XRP’s integral role within Ripple’s operational framework. He dubbed XRP the “North Star” of the company’s strategy, reinforcing its position as central to their business endeavors.
Garlinghouse elaborated that XRP, together with the Ripple Liquidity USD (RLUSD), powers the “heartbeat” of Ripple’s operations, driving innovations across payments, lending, and custody services built on the XRP Ledger. He indicated that all facets of Ripple’s offerings connect back to XRP, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the token’s utility.
Notably, Garlinghouse estimated a promising 75% likelihood that the CLARITY Act—a pivotal piece of legislation for the crypto industry—will be nearing completion by the end of April 2026. Such progress could herald a new era of regulatory clarity for cryptocurrencies, further legitimizing assets like XRP in institutional portfolios.
Coinciding with Garlinghouse’s remarks, Ripple’s valuation is making headlines, sitting at over $50 billion according to CBInsights data. This impressive figure solidifies Ripple’s rank among the top contenders for an eventual IPO, trailing giants like SpaceX and OpenAI. However, despite the buzz around a public offering, the company appears focused on strengthening its market position through strategic acquisitions rather than an immediate listing.
As Ripple continues to navigate the complex waters of the regulatory landscape, the company is actively seeking partnerships that enhance institutional adoption. A recent deal with Aviva Investors, one of the world’s leading asset management firms, has led to the tokenization of assets on the XRP Ledger, an opportunity that Garlinghouse sees as a significant step forward.
Moreover, with U.S. Spot XRP ETFs amassing over $1.04 billion in total net assets and experiencing minimal outflows since their launch, the interest among mainstream investors is undeniable. This robust engagement underscores the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in traditional finance.
With Goldman Sachs’ substantial investment and Ripple’s strategic focus on regulatory compliance and partnerships, the future looks bright for XRP and its supporters. As the cryptocurrency landscape evolves, all eyes will be on how these developments unfold in the coming months.
