Ripple CEO Dismisses AI Layoff Excuse, Predicts Record Year

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has dismissed the idea that AI is behind corporate job cuts, saying companies attributing layoffs to artificial intelligence may be using it as an excuse for already 'bloated' workforces.

Giving a talk at SALT Wyoming 2026, published on Friday, Garlinghouse said that while Ripple has legal certainty around XRP, the wider crypto industry still requires a full regulatory regime in the U.S. He pointed to layoffs at companies like Block (XYZ) as examples of workforce reduction that should not necessarily be attributed to AI.

Ripple is on course for a record year, with revenue expected to more than double year on year, despite headwinds in the larger crypto market. In contrast to other companies, Ripple intends to continue hiring, adding around 150 new positions as its business grows.