Ripple CEO: XRP remains a core strategic direction; acquisitions may resume in the second half of 2026.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse stated at an online XRP community event that XRP remains Ripple's "North Star," and the company will focus on business integration this year. Large acquisitions are unlikely in the short term, but a reassessment of M&A opportunities in the second half of 2026 is not ruled out. Garlinghouse pointed out that Ripple invested approximately $4 billion in the crypto ecosystem last year through investments, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, including the $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road and the $1 billion acquisition of the treasury platform GTreasury. Compared to the aggressive expansion in 2025, the company will focus more on integrating existing businesses and resources this year. He also stated that future M&A will still revolve around strengthening the XRP ecosystem and its practical applications, but the overall pace will be more cautious.