Ripple 
$1 has entered a strategic partnership with BNY Mellon to safeguard the reserves of its RLUSD stablecoin, which now surpasses $500 million. This pivotal agreement signifies a crucial milestone in Ripple’s cryptocurrency payment and stablecoin strategy, prompting widespread debate among financial circles. Bitwise’s CEO, Hunter Horsley, suggested Ripple might soon be labeled as an “XRP treasury company,” sparking mixed reactions ranging from admiration for its boldness to criticism of its perceived exaggeration.
Ripple and BNY Mellon Collaboration
The partnership, announced on July 9, 2025, entails the transfer of RLUSD’s reserves, supported by cash and short-term U.S. Treasury bonds, to BNY Mellon’s extensive global custody network. By leveraging a trusted financial giant to hold its reserves, Ripple aims to strengthen credibility among institutional clients. Launched at the end of 2024, RLUSD quickly climbed into the top twenty USD-pegged stablecoins, achieving a daily trading volume of approximately $26 million within just seven months.
Ripple’s leadership emphasizes that operating RLUSD on both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum 
$2,485 blockchain significantly reduces cross-border crypto transaction costs. Moreover, Ripple seeks to obtain a national bank banking license from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Should this license be approved, RLUSD issuance would be directly regulated under banking laws. Market analysts assert that the involvement of a traditional financial powerhouse could accelerate closer interactions between cryptocurrency sectors and regulated entities.
Bitwise CEO’s Intriguing Ripple and XRP Commentary
Hunter Horsley’s Twitter inquiry, “Is Ripple evolving into an XRP treasury company?” garnered tens of thousands of views. Speaking to CNBC, Horsley predicted 2025 as a transformative year for the crypto market, citing positive shifts in U.S. Congress, regulators, and the White House’s attitudes. He envisions major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin 
$78,439 and XRP becoming standard tools not only on exchanges but also in corporate balance sheets and services.
Previously, Horsley criticized the inclusion of Ethereum, XRP, Solana 
$103, and Cardano 
$0.219685 in U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed national crypto reserve plan, advocating for a Bitcoin-only reserve. His latest statements support the notion that the Ripple–BNY Mellon alliance may redefine the power dynamics between decentralized finance and Wall Street.
