Crypto Can Help Central Banks Move Value Instantly, Says Ripple CEO

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse made a case for cryptocurrencies in facilitating fast and secure global value transfer. He pointed to the Dutch central bank's recent gold transfer, which involved moving around 86 tonnes of gold between March and August 2026.

The process showed that there is still a reliance on location and custody in existing reserve systems. Garlinghouse noted that approximately 59 tonnes were sold in New York and replaced by gold purchased in London, while another 27 tonnes were physically transferred due to changes in reserve placement.

He used the example to compare physical reserve movement with digital asset transfers, highlighting how cryptocurrencies can be traded digitally via networks without the need for custodial services or vault access. Garlinghouse asked why financial value still depends on location-centric processes.