Ripple Rules Out IPO Despite $40B Valuation: The 2026 Private Strategy

Who needs an IPO when you're sitting on a $40 billion valuation? Ripple has officially ruled out an initial public offering, choosing instead to remain private as it fuels its global expansion through aggressive acquisitions. President Monica Long told Bloomberg that the company doesn't need the liquidity or capital access typically associated with public markets.

Ripple IPO Plans Stalled by Strong Balance Sheet

The decision follows a massive $500 million funding round in November 2025, which valued the company at $40 billion. High-profile investors including Citadel Securities and Fortress Investment Group participated in the deal. The terms are reportedly very favorable, including protections such as the right to sell shares back to the company at guaranteed prices.

By staying private, Ripple avoids the intense regulatory scrutiny and quarterly earnings pressure that comes with being a public entity. Long emphasized that the company is well-positioned to fund its internal growth and R&D without relying on Wall Street's capital.

A $4 Billion Acquisition Spree for Digital Infrastructure

Ripple isn't just sitting on its cash; it's buying up the competition. In 2025, the firm completed four major acquisitions totaling nearly $4 billion. These deals included prime broker Hidden Road and digital custody provider Palisade.

This M&A blitz is part of a broader strategy to become an end-to-end provider for enterprise digital assets. As of last November, Ripple Payments had already processed over $95 billion in total volume. Central to this ecosystem is RLUSD, Ripple's dollar-pegged stablecoin, which bridges the gap between traditional finance and blockchain-based workflows.