Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has proclaimed a “new dawn” for the cryptocurrency sector, pointing to a surprisingly warm reception from U.S. Federal Reserve governors as a pivotal moment for the industry. Speaking from the SALT 2025 investment conference, Garlinghouse noted a “dramatic” shift in regulatory sentiment, suggesting a more collaborative future between Washington and digital finance.
From Caution to Collaboration: The Fed’s Evolving Stance
The core of this optimism stems from recent commentary by key figures within the U.S. Federal Reserve. Governor Michelle Bowman recently advocated for regulators to move beyond an “overly cautious mindset,” urging a more proactive stance to foster innovation within the digital asset space.
Echoing this sentiment, Governor Christopher Waller sought to demystify the technology, insisting that innovations like tokenization and smart contracts “are not, in fact, scary.” This rhetorical shift is backed by policy, as the Fed also recently discontinued its dedicated cryptocurrency-focused supervision program, a move widely interpreted as a step toward normalizing the asset class within the traditional financial framework.
A Palpable Shift at SALT 2025
The change was most evident at the influential SALT 2025 conference, where conversations with policymakers felt fundamentally different from just a year prior. Garlinghouse expressed his surprise in a public statement, noting that having “multiple Fed governors publicly embracing crypto technology” was an unexpected but welcome development.
“While many attendees at SALT have been in crypto for a long time, the change in tone (on-stage, 1-1 convos) from even a year ago is dramatic and very palpable,” Garlinghouse stated.
Ripple’s Own Turning Point
This industry-wide thaw coincides with a significant victory for Ripple itself. The company recently saw the conclusion of its protracted legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The resolution, finalized by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, removes a major cloud of uncertainty that has hung over Ripple for years, allowing the company to move forward with greater clarity.
The convergence of a more favorable regulatory outlook and the resolution of key legal disputes signals a potential turning point, paving the way for increased mainstream adoption and institutional investment in the United States.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investors should always conduct their own thorough research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions in cryptocurrencies, which are highly volatile and speculative assets.
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