Ripple CEO Says BIS Testing With XRP Ledger Is No Surprise to Him

Why the BIS Chose XRP Ledger Over Other Platforms

Ripple’s chief executive, Brad Garlinghouse, commented on the Bank for International Settlements’ (BIS) recent experiment with the XRP Ledger (XRPL). The BIS research team, which evaluated the ledger’s performance, chose to test it in September 2026, citing its low fees, high speed, and robust transaction record. Garlinghouse said the decision was expected, given XRPL’s track record and the growing interest in digital asset infrastructure.

The BIS experiment involved running a series of stress tests on the XRPL, focusing on transaction throughput, confirmation times, and cost efficiency. The research team compared XRPL’s performance against traditional payment systems and other blockchain platforms. Results showed that XRPL could process thousands of transactions per second with minimal fees, and its ledger maintained a tamper‑proof record of all activity. Garlinghouse highlighted that these metrics align with the BIS’s goal of improving cross‑border payments.

The BIS’s selection of XRPL reflects a broader shift toward evaluating decentralized ledgers for central bank research. XRPL’s consensus algorithm, which relies on a network of validators, offers rapid finality and low operational costs. The ledger’s architecture also supports smart contracts and token issuance, making it versatile for future financial applications. Garlinghouse noted that XRPL’s open‑source nature and active developer community provide transparency and resilience—key factors for a central‑bank‑grade assessment.

Can XRPL Replace Traditional Payment Systems?

The experiment also tested XRPL’s scalability under simulated high‑volume conditions. The ledger maintained consistent performance, with average confirmation times under two seconds and transaction fees measured in fractions of a cent. These figures contrast sharply with legacy SWIFT messages, which can incur fees of several dollars and take days to settle. The BIS team’s positive findings suggest that XRPL could serve as a backbone for faster, cheaper international settlements.

The BIS study raises the question of whether XRPL could replace or complement existing payment infrastructures. Garlinghouse emphasized that XRPL is not a direct substitute for SWIFT but can enhance it. By providing a real‑time settlement layer, XRPL could reduce settlement risk and lower costs for banks worldwide. The BIS’s interest signals growing confidence in digital ledgers as viable alternatives to legacy systems.

However, regulatory and interoperability challenges remain. Banks must integrate XRPL nodes into their existing workflows, and cross‑border compliance frameworks need adaptation. Garlinghouse acknowledged these hurdles but expressed optimism that continued collaboration between Ripple, regulators, and financial institutions will drive adoption.

The outcome of the BIS experiment could influence policy decisions and market dynamics. If the ledger’s performance is validated at scale, more central banks and commercial banks may consider deploying similar technologies. Ripple’s CEO remains confident that XRPL’s proven speed and low cost will position it as a cornerstone of the next generation of global payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main goal of the BIS experiment with XRPL? The BIS aimed to assess XRPL’s transaction speed, cost efficiency, and record‑keeping capabilities compared to traditional payment systems and other blockchains.

How does XRPL’s performance compare to SWIFT? XRPL processes thousands of transactions per second, with confirmation times under two seconds and fees measured in fractions of a cent, whereas SWIFT can take days and cost several dollars per message.

What are the next steps for Ripple after the BIS study? Ripple plans to engage with regulators and banks to integrate XRPL into existing payment infrastructures, while continuing to enhance the ledger’s scalability and security features.