Experts Refute Claims That XRP Is Dead Amid RLUSD Stablecoin Launch
Despite growing speculation that Ripple’s new RLUSD stablecoin could signal the end of XRP, industry experts say otherwise. They emphasize that XRP remains a critical component of the Ripple ecosystem, serving a unique role alongside the stablecoin.
Why Some Critics Say XRP Is Finished
The launch of RLUSD has fueled doubts about XRP’s relevance. Critics argue that since RLUSD is designed for stable cross-border payments, it could render XRP obsolete. Concerns also stem from XRP’s stagnant price performance and perceived lack of adoption, with some suggesting that network activity is in decline. 
XRP and RLUSD Work Together, Not Against Each Other
However, crypto analyst Jungle Inc. and other experts push back against this narrative. They note that Ripple has positioned RLUSD not as a competitor to XRP, but as a complementary fiat bridge, allowing institutions to interact with the XRP Ledger without exposure to volatility.
“You can’t scale XRP without making it easier to access — RLUSD is how they do it,” said Jungle Inc., pointing to Ripple’s strategy.
In addition, XRP still powers essential parts of the XRPL ecosystem. The XRP Ledger’s EVM-compatible sidechain, which recently went live, uses XRP as gas. RLUSD plays a different role — acting as a stable transaction layer, while XRP remains the core utility token.
XRP’s Role Is Growing, Not Shrinking
Experts also address XRP’s relatively low current usage, arguing that similar phases happened with Ethereum during its early development. They point out that Ripple is investing heavily — backed by a $10B+ treasury — in infrastructure, EVM integration, and global partnerships, much like Ethereum did before the DeFi boom.
Ripple’s XRP Holdings: Risk or Opportunity?
While Ripple’s large XRP reserves have raised concerns over centralization, analysts argue that these holdings are being used strategically. The funds are supporting ongoing development, including the EVM sidechain, bank integrations, and RLUSD expansion. These efforts are seen as long-term growth investments, not threats to decentralization.
XRP’s Market Strength
Currently priced at $2.23, with a $132 billion market cap and $2 billion in daily trading volume, XRP remains the fourth-largest cryptocurrency. Experts assert that unless there’s a significant drop in utility or adoption within Ripple’s network, XRP is far from irrelevant.
