In a recent development that has reignited speculation across the crypto community, well-known blockchain researcher SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) shared compelling evidence suggesting that XRP may already be structurally embedded within Visa’s global payments infrastructure. Through a series of slides from Visa’s 2025 strategic presentation and legacy system documentation, SMQKE highlighted how the financial giant’s 2019 acquisition of Earthport—a long-time Ripple partner—positions XRP as a potential cornerstone in Visa’s evolving cross-border settlement framework.
The Earthport Acquisition: A Strategic Gateway to XRP
At the heart of this integration theory lies Visa’s $250 million acquisition of Earthport, a UK-based cross-border payments network with deep ties to Ripple dating back to 2014. Earthport’s infrastructure enables seamless international transactions via API, SWIFT, and other clearing systems, but crucially, it also includes native integration with RippleNet—the decentralized payment protocol powered by XRP.
One of the key slides uncovered by SMQKE illustrates Ripple’s direct connection to Earthport’s payment instructions layer. This technical alignment suggests that Earthport can not only route payments through traditional rails but also leverage XRP for liquidity and real-time settlement. Given that Earthport delivers final payment credits through national clearing systems, the implication is clear: XRP is already positioned within Visa’s extended financial ecosystem, even if not yet publicly activated.
XRP IS ALREADY POSITIONED WITH VISA, AND HERE’S HOW:
In 2019, Visa acquired Earthport—a Ripple-enabled company that connects to RippleNet and can use XRP for cross-border payments. This gives Visa access to XRP’s liquidity and settlement capabilities through Earthport’s established infrastructure.
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Visa’s “Network of Networks” Vision and Crypto Integration
Visa’s long-term ambition—to become the “Network of Networks”—has been steadily unfolding since 2020. The goal is to unify disparate payment systems, including account-to-account (A2A), real-time payments (RTP), card networks, and blockchain-based rails, into a single interoperable framework. This vision aligns perfectly with the capabilities offered by digital assets like XRP.
The timeline presented in the documentation reveals a strategic progression:
- 2019: Acquisition of Earthport
- 2023: Pilot launch of stablecoin settlements using USDC on blockchain networks
- Ongoing expansion of Visa Direct for instant fund transfers
These milestones underscore Visa’s growing commitment to crypto-enabled financial solutions. Notably, a conceptual diagram from the presentation places Visa, Ripple, XRP, ACH, and PayPal within the same interconnected ecosystem—further reinforcing the idea that XRP is not just compatible with Visa’s infrastructure, but potentially integral to its future cross-border strategy.
Cross-Border Use Cases: Where XRP Fits In
Visa’s intensified focus on cross-border payments spans high-growth sectors such as gaming, education, healthcare, and e-commerce—all areas where speed, cost-efficiency, and scalability are paramount. Traditional systems often struggle with delays and high fees, especially in emerging markets. This is where blockchain-based solutions like XRP excel.
XRP’s ability to settle transactions in under four seconds at minimal cost makes it an ideal candidate for real-time international settlements. With Ripple now enjoying greater regulatory clarity and the freedom to sell XRP to institutional investors, the door is open for broader adoption by major financial institutions.
Furthermore, Visa’s own data projects that ten countries will pilot Visa Protect for A2A transactions in 2025, with over $100 million in settlement obligations expected to be processed in USDC. If similar infrastructure were extended to support XRP-based settlements through Earthport’s Ripple-integrated layer, the impact on XRP’s utility and market demand could be substantial.
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FAQ: Addressing Key Questions About Visa and XRP
Q: Has Visa officially confirmed using XRP?
A: As of now, Visa has not publicly confirmed direct use of XRP. However, its ownership of Earthport—a Ripple-integrated payment processor—provides a structural pathway for XRP utilization without requiring formal announcements.
Q: What role does Earthport play in this integration?
A: Earthport acts as a bridge between traditional banking systems and blockchain networks. Its ability to connect with RippleNet means it can route payments using XRP for liquidity provisioning and rapid settlement across borders.
Q: Could this lead to increased demand for XRP?
A: Yes. If Visa leverages Earthport’s infrastructure to facilitate XRP-based settlements—even behind the scenes—it could significantly boost transaction volume and institutional interest in the asset.
Q: Is there any regulatory risk involved?
A: While Ripple has made progress in its legal battles, particularly with recent court rulings favoring its position, regulatory scrutiny around digital assets remains dynamic. Any large-scale adoption by Visa would likely occur in compliance with evolving global standards.
Q: How does this compare to Visa’s use of stablecoins like USDC?
A: Visa has already piloted USDC for settlements, demonstrating its openness to blockchain-based assets. Unlike stablecoins, XRP offers native liquidity without requiring collateral, making it uniquely suited for on-demand cross-border liquidity solutions.
Infrastructure Readiness and Future Outlook
The convergence of technological readiness, regulatory momentum, and strategic alignment paints a promising picture for XRP’s role in modern finance. Key Ripple partners—including major banks like Bank of America—have already developed internal capabilities to handle crypto payments. With Visa sitting atop a vast global network, even a limited rollout of XRP-enabled settlements through Earthport could amplify the asset’s reach exponentially.
Moreover, as more institutions seek alternatives to slow and costly legacy systems, the demand for fast, reliable digital settlement layers will continue to grow. XRP’s design as a bridge currency—combined with Ripple’s proven enterprise solutions—positions it as a strong contender in this space.
While no official integration has been announced, the structural foundations are undeniably in place. The fact that Visa includes Ripple and XRP in its internal strategic diagrams suggests that these technologies are not just speculative additions—they are being seriously considered within the company’s long-term roadmap.
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Final Thoughts
The evidence presented by researcher SMQKE does not confirm active use of XRP by Visa—but it strongly indicates that the infrastructure exists for immediate deployment when strategic or market conditions align. Through Earthport, Visa holds a powerful backdoor into RippleNet and its underlying digital asset.
As global payments evolve toward real-time, low-cost, and interoperable models, assets like XRP are increasingly viewed not as speculative instruments, but as functional tools in the financial ecosystem. Whether Visa chooses to activate this capability remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the framework is already built.
For investors and fintech observers alike, this development serves as a critical signal: the line between traditional finance and blockchain-based systems is blurring faster than ever.
Core Keywords: XRP, Visa, Earthport, Ripple integration, cross-border payments, blockchain settlement, digital asset infrastructure, real-time payments