Crypto researcher SMQKE has drawn attention to what he considers the largest opportunity for XRP and XLM, emphasizing their focus on institutional cross-border payments rather than consumer remittance services.
Focus on Institutional Cross-Border Transfers
SMQKE argued that Ripple and Stellar, the companies behind XRP and XLM respectively, were developed to facilitate high-value transactions between banks and financial institutions worldwide. He underscored that the true growth potential lies in large-scale transfers handled by these organizations, which move trillions of dollars internationally each day.
In a social media post, SMQKE stated, “XRP and XLM will target the BIG money,” and further remarked, “The BIG MONEY is in cross-border payments — that’s why we have Ripple and Stellar.” He concluded with the message, “XRP + XLM = Big Money. Watch.”
“XRP and XLM will target the BIG money. The BIG MONEY is in cross-border payments — that’s why we have Ripple and Stellar. XRP + XLM = Big Money. Watch.”
To support his views, SMQKE shared a video explaining that Ripple and Stellar were designed to modernize business-to-business fund transfers, rather than compete directly with traditional money transfer services aimed at individual consumers.
Mini dictionary: Ripple and Stellar, both founded by Jed McCaleb, are blockchain-based payment networks designed for fast, low-cost international transactions. Ripple focuses on institutional bank settlements, while Stellar targets a broader range of financial entities, including remittance firms and NGOs.
The video’s speaker pointed out that although traditional remittance providers like Western Union are likely to continue operating, these firms may integrate new technologies to maintain competitiveness. According to the discussion, the overwhelming majority of payment volume occurs at the institutional level, where inefficiencies and high costs persist under the current global banking system.
Technology Designed for Financial Institutions
The video further described how Ripple and Stellar separate themselves from retail solutions by focusing on backend systems that connect financial institutions. Unlike consumer-oriented services, these networks are built to transfer large sums between banks, facilitating improved settlement times and reduced costs.
Ripple and Stellar are positioned as networks enabling banks to settle cross-border payments faster and more efficiently than legacy correspondent banking systems.
The speaker emphasized the growing importance of transaction data speed, explaining that new blockchain-based systems allow information and funds to move quickly and securely. Distributed ledger technology was highlighted as playing a central role in enhancing transparency and accelerating settlement between accredited participants.
Comparison With Bitcoin’s Structure
The video contrasted Ripple’s network with Bitcoin’s, noting that Bitcoin operates as a fully decentralized, permissionless ledger. Anyone can join Bitcoin’s network, making it open to all participants without a central authority.
In contrast, Ripple employs a permissioned architecture. Only approved financial institutions and partners are able to participate as validators, which enables banks to transact reliably and securely within a controlled environment.
| Ripple | Bitcoin | |
|---|---|---|
| Network type | Permissioned | Permissionless |
| Main users | Banks, financial institutions | General public |
| Transaction focus | Cross-border settlements | Peer-to-peer payments |
| Validator nodes | Selected and approved participants | Open to all |
The discussion concluded that high-volume, business-driven cross-border transfers are likely to rely on networks like Ripple and Stellar, giving XRP and XLM a strategic position in the future of global payments.
