Ripple Eyes $20B Deal to Acquire USDC Issuer Circle
Key Takeaways
Ripple is reportedly planning to acquire Circle, the company behind the stablecoin USDC. Talks are said to be already underway, and the potential purchase price could reach up to 20 billion US dollars. The goal is to strengthen its position in the growing stablecoin market and further integrate its own cryptocurrency XRP into global payment systems. A particular focus: competing with Tether (USDT), the current market leader.
Ripple and Circle: What’s Behind the Deal?
Ripple is known for its blockchain-based payment solutions and its cryptocurrency XRP. Circle, on the other hand, operates USDC (USD Coin), the second-largest stablecoin in the world. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies whose value is pegged to a stable currency—usually the US dollar. They serve as a bridge between crypto assets and traditional money.
Ripple already launched its own stablecoin, RLUSD, at the end of 2024. However, with a market capitalization of around 317 million US dollars, it is still small compared to USDC (over 61 billion US dollars). By acquiring Circle, Ripple could instantly gain access to a significant market share in the stablecoin sector.
Why Stablecoins Matter
Since 2020, the stablecoin market has grown rapidly. Market capitalization rose from about 60 billion to over 240 billion US dollars. Stablecoins are used not only for trading on crypto exchanges but increasingly for international payments, remittances, and as a hedge against volatile markets.
For Ripple, this presents a strategic opportunity: integrating USDC into its own XRP Ledger could boost XRP’s liquidity. At the same time, Ripple would become more attractive to institutional users. This could lead to a stronger long-term presence in the global financial system.
The Role of Tether (USDT) in the Competition
Tether is by far the largest stablecoin on the market. With a market capitalization of around 150 billion US dollars, USDT holds approximately 69% market share. Its lead is largely due to its early launch in 2014. Today, USDT is used worldwide—from crypto traders to people in countries with limited access to banking services.
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USDC and RLUSD could jointly present a serious alternative. A takeover of Circle by Ripple would significantly intensify the competition. It’s not just about market share, but also about technological integration and regulatory credibility.
What’s at Stake?
A possible 20-billion-dollar deal is no small undertaking. For Ripple, it represents a significant financial and strategic risk. The integration of USDC into its own infrastructure would need to be technically sound and regulatory-compliant. At the same time, the deal could inject new momentum into the stablecoin market—with implications for users, exchanges, and institutional investors.
If Ripple succeeds, the company could take on a central role in the future of digital payments. If the acquisition fails or causes technical issues, it could result in reputational damage and financial setbacks.
Our Assessment
With the potential Circle deal, Ripple is pursuing a clear strategy: to significantly expand its influence in the stablecoin space. The acquisition would be a logical step to compete with the dominant player Tether. At the same time, Ripple could combine its blockchain technology with an established stablecoin—a win for both users and investors.
Whether the deal goes through remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the stablecoin market is becoming the central battleground in the crypto ecosystem. Ripple is positioning itself early and ambitiously. Anyone interested in digital currencies should closely follow this development.
| Symbol | XRP |
| Coin type | Alt Coin |
| Transaction Speed | High |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Further practical applications | |
| Price | $2.20 |
| 24h % | -0.33 % |
| 7d % | -1.38 % |
| 30d % | 3.68 % |
| 60d % | -10.95 % |
| 1y % | 310.97 % |
| Official Links | Website |
| Socials | X |
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