XRP as the North Star, Ripple shifts from expansion to consolidation

Ripple is adjusting its development strategy. According to CEO Brad Garlinghouse during an online XRP community event, XRP remains the company’s North Star, and the entire year of 2026 will be a year of strategic realignment. This is not a change in direction but a recalibration of pace—from last year’s aggressive external expansion to this year’s internal integration and resource optimization.

Over the past year, Ripple has demonstrated strong investment in the crypto ecosystem. According to official disclosures, the company invested approximately $4 billion into the ecosystem in 2025 through investments, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, including the $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road and the $1 billion purchase of the asset management platform G Treasury. These actions clearly indicate that Ripple is building a comprehensive ecosystem around XRP.

$4 Billion Investment in the Past Year Strengthens North Star Position

Ripple’s acquisitions and investments are not blind external expansion but have clear strategic objectives. Whether it’s Hidden Road or G Treasury, these acquisitions directly serve to strengthen the XRP ecosystem and facilitate practical applications. The $4 billion investment scale is rare in the crypto industry and fully reflects Ripple’s commitment to maintaining XRP’s North Star position.

Strategic Adjustment in 2026: From Expansion to Integration

However, Garlinghouse also stated that this year the company will focus more on integrating existing businesses and resources. This means that large new acquisitions are unlikely in the short term, but this does not mean abandoning acquisition opportunities; rather, it involves a more cautious evaluation process. Garlinghouse explicitly mentioned that there is a possibility of reassessing acquisition opportunities in the second half of 2026, leaving room for future strategic adjustments.

North Star Remains Unchanged, Future Acquisitions Will Focus on Ecosystem and Applications

Although the current strategic pace has slowed, Ripple’s core direction remains unchanged. Future acquisitions will continue to focus on strengthening the XRP ecosystem and practical applications, with the overall strategy still aligned with the same North Star. This approach—being cautious yet open to opportunities—reflects Ripple’s move into a more rational and prudent development stage after last year’s large-scale deployment. For XRP holders, this adjustment is more about healthy strategic optimization rather than strategic retreat.