Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse appeared with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at Swell 2026 in New York City, creating a focal point for the XRP community during the major industry event.
Ripple’s Swell 2026 draws high-profile participants
Organizers reportedly added Bessent to the conference lineup just ahead of the gathering, increasing anticipation for the event. The Swell 2026 conference, held from October 27 to 29 at The Shed in Manhattan, is designed to bring together top executives from traditional finance, digital asset companies, academic institutions, and members of the broader XRP ecosystem.
Ripple anticipates more than 1,500 attendees over the three days, with over 100 speakers scheduled to address the audience across three stages. The speaker list includes leading names in finance, technology, and advocacy, emphasizing the company’s ongoing effort to bridge global financial systems and digital innovation.
Among the most public figures at the event, Hollywood actor Matt Damon will participate as co-founder of Water.org. Damon and Gary White, also a co-founder of Water.org, are expected to discuss how Ripple’s payment technology and RLUSD can promote financial inclusion and support global access to safe water.
Key collaborations and Ripple Bank approval
The timing of the Swell conference aligns with a significant period for Ripple. On October 26, Ripple secured final approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to establish Ripple National Trust Bank, marking a new chapter in the company’s expansion into banking services for digital assets.
A day later, on October 27, Ripple announced expanded partnerships with established financial names BNY and Robinhood. These collaborations are intended to deepen Ripple’s roots within the traditional financial services sector and broaden its presence in digital markets.
Bessent has continued to urge Congress to advance the CLARITY Act, maintaining that a well-defined regulatory framework would strengthen the United States’ position in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency sector.
Notably, the connection between Ripple and Scott Bessent has grown in recent years. In September 2025, Ripple participated in a key finance roundtable at Downing Street alongside Bessent and British Chancellor Rachel Reeves, with discussions geared toward a joint UK-U.S. initiative focusing on digital assets and financial market integration.
Industry leaders and market dynamics
This year’s Swell event also features Tom Farley, former president of the New York Stock Exchange and current CEO of Bullish. Farley is set to hold a discussion with Garlinghouse that centers on the convergence of traditional financial markets and digital assets, reflecting broader themes across the conference.
The diverse selection of speakers and participants demonstrates Ripple’s intent to shape dialogue not only around payment systems but also regulatory clarity and financial innovation. With the presence of top policymakers, corporate executives, and non-profit leaders, the conference aims to articulate practical solutions for integrating blockchain technology into mainstream finance.
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