Rumor: Ripple Has Already Acquired Circle (USDC) Behind the Scenes

A bold new rumor has emerged within the crypto community, suggesting that Ripple, the San Francisco-based blockchain firm behind the XRP token, has already completed a behind-the-scenes acquisition of Circle, the issuer of the second-largest stablecoin by market cap, USDC. This speculation, shared by prominent XRP community figure JackTheRippler on X, has ignited widespread discussion across social media and industry circles. RUMORS: Ripple has already acquired CIRCLE $USDC behind the scenes! #XRP pic.twitter.com/PH2BUesuaz — JackTheRippler © (@RippleXrpie) May 20, 2025 While no official confirmation has surfaced from either Ripple or Circle, the rumor is stirring considerable curiosity, especially in light of Ripple’s well-documented ambitions to expand its footprint in the digital payments and stablecoin sectors. JackTheRippler’s post, which simply stated, “RUMORS: Ripple has already acquired CIRCLE $USDC behind the scenes! #XRP,” has gained significant traction, reflecting both the community’s enthusiasm and the high-stakes nature of such a potential deal. Context Behind the Speculation The rumor arrives at a time when Ripple has taken significant strategic steps in 2025 to deepen its presence in the stablecoin space. On December 17, 2024, Ripple launched its own U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, RLUSD , following approval from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). RLUSD is fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits, U.S. government bonds, and cash equivalents, and is available on both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum blockchains. The stablecoin aims to provide real-world utility and transparency, positioning Ripple against major competitors like Tether and Circle. Interestingly, this is not the first time Ripple has been linked to a possible Circle acquisition. In April 2024, reports surfaced that Ripple had offered between $4 billion and $5 billion to acquire Circle, with some rumors suggesting offers as high as $20 billion . However, Circle reportedly rejected these proposals. The rationale behind Ripple’s interest in Circle is clear: acquiring USDC would provide Ripple with a more regulatory-compliant, fiat-backed alternative to its XRP-led model, aligning with its aim to integrate blockchain into global finance. Adding more intrigue to the situation is the growing interest from other major players in the crypto space. Most notably, Coinbase , a longstanding partner of Circle and co-founder of the USDC consortium, has recently signaled its interest in acquiring Circle outright. This move by Coinbase suggests an intensifying race among major blockchain companies to control strategic assets that can shape the next evolution of digital payments infrastructure. Market Implications if True If this rumor were to materialize, it would represent one of the most transformative events in the digital asset space to date. A Ripple-Circle acquisition would instantly position Ripple as a leading force in the stablecoin sector, dramatically expanding its reach beyond XRP and giving it control of USDC, a stablecoin trusted by banks, fintechs, and enterprises across the globe. More importantly, Ripple’s vast network of financial institutions, partnerships with central banks, and ongoing initiatives in cross-border payments and liquidity management could significantly enhance USDC’s adoption. It would create new synergies between XRP and USDC in terms of settlement channels, liquidity pools, and on-chain utility. Moreover, XRP could benefit from the increased market confidence and infrastructure improvements resulting from such a strategic merger. As XRP remains central to Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) services, closer alignment with USDC would strengthen Ripple’s proposition as a multi-asset bridge for global payments. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 Grounds for Caution Despite the excitement generated by the rumor, industry analysts are urging caution. Mergers and acquisitions of this magnitude typically involve extensive due diligence, regulatory oversight, and public disclosure. Given the high regulatory visibility both Ripple and Circle operate under, particularly in the United States, it is improbable that such a deal could be executed entirely in secrecy. Furthermore, Circle is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering (IPO), a move that would typically require full transparency regarding any pending acquisitions or major organizational changes. Ripple, on the other hand, has spent years fending off litigation from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is unlikely to jeopardize its legal positioning through undisclosed acquisitions. Additionally, Coinbase’s recent maneuvering to possibly take over Circle complicates the rumor even further. If two industry giants are indeed vying for Circle, the outcome would likely come down to regulatory favorability, strategic fit, and valuation terms—none of which have been publicly addressed by the companies involved. At present, the claim that Ripple has secretly acquired Circle and its flagship stablecoin, USDC, remains unverified and speculative. While the rumor aligns with Ripple’s growing interest in the stablecoin sector and reflects previous reports, there is no definitive proof that the acquisition has taken place. However, the conversation around Ripple, Circle, and even Coinbase points to an increasingly competitive environment where control over stablecoin infrastructure is a critical strategic objective. Until Ripple, Circle, or Coinbase make official announcements, this story remains a powerful reflection of the intrigue, speculation, and strategic chess being played at the highest levels of the crypto industry. Whether this particular rumor proves true or not, one thing is certain: the race to dominate the stablecoin market is well underway, and Ripple is firmly in the conversation. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Rumor: Ripple Has Already Acquired Circle (USDC) Behind the Scenes appeared first on Times Tabloid .

Source: TimesTabloid