Brad Garlinghouse advised focusing on the tokenization of select assets., 2026/02/04 16:53:16

The tokenization of assets has transitioned from theoretical discussions and experiments to practical applications in global markets; however, not all assets are suitable for tokenization, stated Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse.

Tokenization should yield clear positive outcomes and ensure transparency; otherwise, it will remain at the pilot project level, the executive noted. Garlinghouse mentioned that recently, cut diamonds valued at over $280 million were digitized on his company’s XRP Ledger blockchain. Tokenization will enable the verification of the origin of diamonds and the ownership history of each cut stone, as well as assess their quality. According to the Ripple leader, asset tokenization is justified if it provides economic advantages.

Last year, the volume of tokenized assets on the XRP Ledger blockchain surged by more than 2200%, the CEO reported. He highlighted stablecoins as a prominent example of tokenization—transaction volumes with digital versions of fiat currencies reached approximately $19 trillion in 2024 and increased to $33 trillion in 2025 (a 75% year-over-year growth).

The Ripple chief expressed skepticism about cryptocurrencies replacing government currencies, as authorities are unlikely to relinquish control over money. However, the aim of cryptocurrencies is not to supplant the existing monetary system but to integrate traditional finance with blockchains that could operate directly with banks and financial institutions, Garlinghouse reasoned.

Despite the significant correction in the crypto market, Garlinghouse predicted a rise in Bitcoin’s price to $180,000 by the end of 2026. The entrepreneur believes that Bitcoin’s growth will accelerate the introduction of new cryptocurrency regulations in the United States.