Ripple Buyback Program Values Company at $50 Billion

Ripple has launched a share buyback that values the company at about US$50 billion (AU$76.5 billion), according to a person familiar with the matter, marking a rise from its last major fundraising just months ago.

The tender offer is expected to run through April and would allow Ripple to repurchase up to US$750 million (AU$1.05 billion) in shares from employees and existing investors. The implied valuation is about 25% above the US$40 billion (AU$56 billion) level attached to the company’s November funding round.

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That earlier raise brought in US$500 million (AU$700 million) from investors including funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, affiliates of Citadel Securities, Pantera Capital, Galaxy Digital, Brevan Howard and Marshall Wace. 

The higher valuation comes despite a broader crypto market decline over the same period, with Bitcoin and XRP both falling about 30% to 40%.

Ripple’s Aggressive Expansion

Ripple has continued to expand beyond cross-border payments through a series of acquisitions and infrastructure deals. 

It bought Hidden Road for US$1.25 billion (AU$1.8 billion) and acquired corporate treasury platform GTreasury for US$1 billion (AU$1.48 billion). Through its custody arm, the company also issues RLUSD, a US dollar stablecoin with a supply of about US$1.5 billion (AU$2.1 billion).

The company remains closely tied to the XRP Ledger (XRPL), a blockchain built for fast cross-border transfers and settlement. 

A buyback at a higher valuation does not guarantee broader market conditions will remain favorable, but it does suggest Ripple believes its private-market value has risen despite volatility in digital assets. 

The move may also help the company retain staff and manage shareholder liquidity while staying private.

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