TLDR
- Ripple is rumored to be preparing an $11 billion acquisition of Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin.
- If successful, Ripple would gain control of USDC, further strengthening its position in cross-border payments and enterprise blockchain.
- The acquisition would put Ripple in direct competition with Coinbase, which currently dominates the stablecoin market.
- Regulatory scrutiny is expected, as the deal could raise concerns about market concentration in the U.S. crypto sector.
- Ripple’s recent legal victory in an XRP investor lawsuit adds to the momentum behind its potential acquisition of Circle.
Rumors are swirling that Ripple is preparing to make a major move in the cryptocurrency industry. The company may be in talks to acquire Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, for a staggering $11 billion. This acquisition could reshape the landscape of the U.S. crypto market and challenge Coinbase’s dominance.
Ripple’s Move to Acquire Circle
Ripple’s potential acquisition of Circle, the company behind the second-largest stablecoin, USDC, has garnered significant attention. If the deal happens, Ripple would gain control of USDC, further solidifying its position in the cryptocurrency market. USDC has been integral to stablecoin transactions, providing a reliable alternative to the volatility of Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The move could help Ripple strengthen its cross-border payment capabilities. Combining XRP, Ripple’s native token, with USDC would offer faster and more efficient transactions. This integration would benefit Ripple in both global and domestic payments, positioning the company for long-term growth in the cryptocurrency sector.
A Direct Challenge to Coinbase
With the rumored acquisition, Ripple is potentially positioning itself against Coinbase, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the U.S. Coinbase has long dominated the stablecoin market by supporting USDC, but this move could disrupt its control. Ripple would directly compete with Coinbase’s influence in the market by gaining ownership of the stablecoin that powers numerous trading pairs and platforms.
🚨 RUMOR ALERT 🚨
Ripple could deploy $11B to acquire Circle, in a bold move to outbid Coinbase. $USDC
That would put the second-largest stablecoin under Ripple’s control and reshape crypto payments in the U.S. 💥🇺🇸
If this happens, it’s not bullish.
It’s game over. $XRP 👀💥 pic.twitter.com/3WT0I7zODE— John Squire (@TheCryptoSquire) February 2, 2026
Experts believe this acquisition could be a significant challenge for Coinbase, as Ripple would secure more control over both crypto payments and trading. The move could force Coinbase to adjust its strategies to maintain its competitive edge in the evolving landscape. As Ripple continues to expand its ecosystem, it may further solidify its place as a key player in the cryptocurrency world.
Regulatory Scrutiny Over Ripple’s Acquisition
The potential $11 billion acquisition of Circle is expected to draw attention from U.S. regulators. The deal could face scrutiny due to concerns over market concentration, especially in the stablecoin sector. With Ripple’s growing influence, regulators may examine the impact of consolidating such significant assets in the cryptocurrency market.
The acquisition also comes at a time when Ripple is seeing positive momentum after winning a legal battle in an XRP investor lawsuit. As Ripple continues to push forward in its expansion, the company must navigate the regulatory landscape carefully. Despite the hurdles, if the acquisition moves forward, Ripple could significantly reshape the stablecoin market in the U.S.
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