Ripple, the blockchain payments and infrastructure company behind XRP, has once again become the focus of IPO speculation.
Recent claims circulating among crypto observers suggest the company could be engaging in late-stage discussions for a potential public offering in 2026.
These claims come despite clear statements from Ripple’s leadership that the company has no immediate plans to go public.
Ripple IPO rumours resurface
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Crypto researcher SMQKE recently shared findings that point to what he describes as documented indications of Ripple exploring a public listing.
Images and excerpts from Presto Research have been cited as evidence that Ripple is being grouped alongside other crypto companies preparing to enter public markets, including Kraken, ConsenSys, and BitGo.
The research frames IPOs as a growing trend for mature crypto firms, positioning public listings as a natural progression for businesses seeking broader validation and long-term growth.
Supporters of the narrative highlight the performance of companies like Circle, which recently debuted on the NYSE.
SMQKE referenced these developments to illustrate that crypto-related public offerings are no longer theoretical, implying that Ripple’s potential move could follow a similar path.
The assertion has sparked interest within the crypto community, with some interpreting a possible IPO as a signal of regulatory confidence rather than a market-driven decision.
Ripple’s president says “no plan” for an IPO
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Despite the speculation, Ripple’s President Monica Long has repeatedly stated that the company has “no plan, no timeline” for an IPO.
Speaking at the Swell conference in New York in November, Long emphasised that Ripple is well-capitalised and does not require public markets to fund its growth.
Earlier remarks from CEO Brad Garlinghouse echoed this sentiment, noting that the company has not needed to raise capital through public listings and that any discussions about an IPO would likely be a long-term consideration rather than an immediate strategy.
This cautious approach stands in contrast to other crypto firms that have moved into public markets.
Companies like Coinbase, Robinhood, and Circle have experienced mixed results following their listings, with market volatility and regulatory scrutiny affecting their performance.
Ripple appears intent on avoiding these pitfalls, shielding itself from the pressures of quarterly earnings expectations and the influence of equity investors unfamiliar with crypto token dynamics.
Ripple’s strategic growth without going public
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Ripple’s decision to remain private also aligns with its ongoing expansion efforts.
In recent months, the company raised $500 million at a $40 billion valuation, not out of necessity, but as a means to secure strategic partnerships.
Ripple has also pursued a series of acquisitions, including prime broker Hidden Road, stablecoin platform Rail, treasury management software GTreasury, and crypto custody provider Palisade.
These moves have been designed to complement its payments focus and expand into new market frontiers, while CEO Garlinghouse indicated that acquisition activity may slow in 2026.
Remaining private allows Ripple to manage its significant XRP reserves and maintain flexibility in its governance.
Public markets would impose additional scrutiny on token management and could create tension between shareholders and the crypto community, a challenge Ripple currently avoids.
Furthermore, regulatory uncertainty remains a concern; although Ripple won its landmark case against the SEC in 2023, broader legislation is still unsettled, and going public would necessitate increased disclosure.
