TLDR
- Uphold CEO Simon McLoughlin clarified that the exchange’s XRP reserves belong to customers, not the platform itself.
- Uphold holds over 1.5 billion XRP in trust for its users, making it one of the largest holders globally.
- The exchange’s decision to support XRP during the 2020-2021 SEC lawsuit helped build lasting trust with its users.
- Uphold continues to offer XRP as its most popular asset, surpassing Bitcoin in user holdings.
- McLoughlin emphasized that Uphold’s success with XRP is rooted in trust, not market hype.
Uphold CEO Simon McLoughlin emphasized that the exchange’s vast XRP reserves belong to its customers, not the platform itself. The statement was made to clarify the exchange’s role in holding over 1.5 billion XRP, worth nearly $5 billion. McLoughlin stressed that the trust of XRP holders, not hype, is what fuels Uphold’s growing reputation.
Uphold Holds Massive XRP Reserves for Customers
Uphold holds one of the largest XRP reserves in the world, ranking just behind Ripple, Binance, and Bithumb. However, McLoughlin clarified that this XRP does not belong to Uphold but is held in trust for its customers. Uphold’s wallet currently contains 1.579 billion XRP, a significant amount that showcases the trust XRP holders place in the platform.
You’ll see @UpholdInc listed among the biggest $XRP holders.
But those assets belong to our customers, not us.
People remember who stood strong in difficult times.
This “holding” is built on trust, not hype.
Big difference. pic.twitter.com/RoB8SBN2CF
— Simon McLoughlin (@SMcLoughlin00) September 14, 2025
The exchange’s position as one of the top XRP holders underlines the trust it has earned. McLoughlin highlighted that the decision to support XRP during challenging legal times set Uphold apart from other exchanges. He noted that customers continue to choose Uphold because the exchange stood by XRP during the 2020-2021 legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
When the SEC filed a lawsuit against Ripple in late 2020, many U.S. exchanges moved to delist XRP. Uphold, however, chose to support the asset, citing legal advice from Mike Zupon, former head of the SEC’s office. The exchange believed it was right to continue listing XRP until the court provided a final ruling.
McLoughlin pointed out that Uphold’s stance on XRP was reinforced when the SEC clarified that it never instructed exchanges to delist the coin. This clarification further solidified Uphold’s confidence in keeping XRP available for U.S. investors. By maintaining its position, Uphold became the only major U.S. exchange to continue supporting XRP, building lasting trust with its customers.
Uphold’s XRP Trust Surpasses Market Hype
The amount of XRP held by users on Uphold is over ten times greater than the amount of Bitcoin held on the platform. McLoughlin described the significant XRP reserves as a result of trust, not market hype.
“The holding is built on trust, not hype, and that makes a big difference,” he said, emphasizing the value of consistent, reliable service.
For Uphold, XRP has become its most popular asset, surpassing Bitcoin in value. The platform’s commitment to supporting XRP during difficult times has solidified its reputation among crypto investors. McLoughlin’s comments underscore Uphold’s belief that maintaining customer trust is more important than riding on market trends.
