Ripple CEO Says Crypto Evolved From ‘Rat Poison’ to Infra

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse believes crypto has come a long way. In a recent Fox Business interview with Maria Bartiromo. He said the industry has moved from being mocked as “rat poison” to becoming real financial infrastructure. While warning against politicized regulations like those under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler.

Great to join @FIIKSA and @MariaBartiromo this week to discuss the crypto landscape.

We’ve seen a shift in the perception of the industry from "rat poison" → "pet rock" → rewiring the financial system. Fast forward to today and some of the biggest companies around the world… https://t.co/dh8N0aLkwR

— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) March 29, 2026

This shift is not just about words. It reflects how people now see crypto. Earlier, many dismissed it as risky or useless. Today, large companies are asking a different question. How can they use it? Brad Garlinghouse says stablecoins are now a key part of these conversations. Businesses want faster payments and lower costs. Crypto is slowly becoming part of that solution.

From Doubt to Real Use

In the early days, crypto struggled with trust. Many people saw it as a scam or a passing trend. Even famous investors criticized it heavily. But things have changed. Over time, the technology improved. While more companies started testing it in real use cases.

Now, crypto is no longer just about trading. It is being used for payments, settlements and cross-border transfers. This shift has helped change its image. Ripple CEO pointed out that the industry has grown into something more useful. It is not just hype anymore. It is becoming part of real financial systems.

Ripple’s Strategy to Bridge the Gap

Ripple took a different path compared to many crypto firms. Instead of focusing only on crypto users, it worked with traditional finance companies. This helped the company build strong partnerships. Over time, it connected banks and financial institutions with blockchain technology. Brad Garlinghouse said this strategy is now paying off. As more companies explore digital assets, Ripple is already in a position.

The focus on stablecoins also plays a big role. These assets are easier for businesses to understand. They offer the benefits of crypto without extreme price swings. With this, they are becoming a key entry point for mainstream adoption.

Regulation Still Shapes the Future

While the industry has grown, challenges remain. Regulation continues to play a big role in how crypto develops. Brad Garlinghouse has warned against unclear or overly strict rules. In the past, some policies created confusion. This slowed down innovation.

Now, there is hope for better clarity. New proposals could also help define how crypto should be used and regulated. Additionally, clear rules could encourage more companies to join. It would also build trust among users and investors.

What This Means for the Future?

Even with progress, not everyone is fully satisfied. Some users still focus on token prices. For example, XRP holders often compare its performance to other coins. This creates mixed reactions. On one side, Ripple as a company is growing. On the other hand, price movements do not always reflect that growth.

Still, Ripple CEO’s message is clear. The bigger picture matters more than short term price changes. Crypto is slowly becoming part of everyday finance. Furthermore, while the journey is not perfect. The direction is clear and it is moving forward.