The competition in blockchain-based financial infrastructure just intensified. Circle, the company behind the widely adopted USDC and EURC stablecoins, has unveiled its Circle Payments Network (CPN)—a blockchain-native system designed to enable real-time, cross-border payments for banks and financial institutions. With this launch, XRP and its underlying ledger, the XRPL, may be facing their most prominent challenger. All Things XRP, a well-known voice in the Ripple community, highlighted the implications of this launch in a recent X post. While Circle positions CPN as a game-changing innovation for the financial sector, comparisons to the XRPL reveal a critical distinction: decentralization versus control. This isn’t just another product announcement—it’s a direct shot at the market Ripple has long led. ⚠️💥 IT’S OFFICIAL. THE XRPL HAS A COMPETITOR. Circle just dropped its own blockchain payment network… I’ve done some digging and this is what I’ve found out. It’s gated. Controlled. Centralized. Let me break it down. 👇 🧠 Governance CPN = Circle-controlled. XRPL =… pic.twitter.com/39viZvdv7Q — All Things XRP (@XRP_investing) April 22, 2025 Circle’s Payments Network Circle’s new network revolutionizes cross-border transactions with real-time settlements in digital dollars and euros, available 24/7. By utilizing stablecoins like USDC and EURC, it eliminates delays, high fees, and accessibility issues plaguing traditional banking. However, beneath the sleek surface lies a fundamentally centralized structure. Access to the CPN is restricted to approved partners, and Circle controls governance. This contrasts sharply with the XRPL, which has functioned as an open, decentralized network for over a decade. How CPN Stacks Up Against XRPL While more attractive to risk-averse institutions, CPN’s closed-loop design lacks the permissionless innovation and open architecture that make XRPL a favorite in the crypto community. As All Things XRP explains, XRPL is a network where anyone can build, transact, or develop without requiring approval from a central entity. Its native decentralized exchange (DEX), on-ledger liquidity, and support for a diverse asset ecosystem—including XRP, stablecoins, NFTs, and DeFi tools—give it flexibility that CPN doesn’t yet match. In contrast, CPN starts with off-chain liquidity and is focused exclusively on Circle-issued stablecoins. This limits the scope of what can be built and the autonomy of those who wish to participate. Circle’s Real Goal: Rebuilding TradFi on Blockchain? While CPN is undoubtedly a step forward for blockchain adoption within the traditional finance sector, critics argue that it’s merely traditional finance (TradFi) reimagined with blockchain aesthetics. With strict access controls and a single governing entity, it replicates many of the centralized gatekeeping mechanisms that crypto was created to bypass. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 The XRPL, meanwhile, continues to stand as a proven, decentralized alternative. Its resilience through market cycles, ongoing innovation, and global adoption gives it a unique position in the space no gated system has yet to rival. These distinctions have led many in the XRP community to view CPN not as a threat, but as an inferior attempt to replicate what XRPL has already achieved. Will CPN Disrupt XRP’s Market Position? The launch of CPN reminds us that competition in the blockchain payments space is heating up. Circle’s infrastructure may appeal to regulated institutions interested in safe and stable blockchain rails. But whether it can match the decentralized credibility and technical maturity of XRPL remains to be seen. In the eyes of the XRP community, including influencers like All Things XRP, CPN may look polished, but it lacks the core values that have made XRPL a standard-bearer in the digital asset space. XRP may have a new competitor, but one playing by an entirely different rulebook. One thing is clear: XRP’s lead is no longer unchallenged. As blockchain adoption accelerates in mainstream finance, the battle between open and closed networks is set to define the future of money. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post XRP Ledger (XRPL) Gets New Competitor In Digital Payments appeared first on Times Tabloid .
