The battle for the future of cross-border payments is getting intense. Alphabet (GOOGL) has revealed its Google Cloud Universal Ledger (GCUL), a new blockchain some are calling an “XRP killer.” For investors in Ripple’s XRP token (XRP-USD), the question is how much of a threat does Google really pose?
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Google Steps into Blockchain Payments
In late August, Google announced GCUL, its first Layer-1 blockchain designed for global finance. Much like Ripple’s XRP Ledger (XRPL), GCUL is aimed at moving money across borders faster and cheaper than traditional systems. Banks and financial institutions could process near-instant payments at a fraction of today’s cost, a market Ripple has been targeting for more than a decade.
GCUL is still in beta testing and is not expected to launch until 2026. This means Ripple has time to defend its turf. The XRP Ledger is already proven in real-world use, handling billions in transactions and building partnerships worldwide. Still, the entry of a giant like Google signals that the competition is about to get tougher.
How Google’s Approach Is Different
There are some clear differences between GCUL and the XRP Ledger. Google’s system is private and permissioned, meaning access is controlled, while XRP runs on a public blockchain open to anyone. Financial institutions often prefer private systems because they see them as safer and more controlled, which could tilt momentum in Google’s favor.
Another difference is tokens. XRP relies on its own token for settlement, which means its price volatility is always a factor. Google has not issued a native coin. Instead, it could lean on stablecoins pegged to the U.S. dollar, avoiding the risk of sudden swings in value. This approach could appeal to cautious institutions.
What This Means for XRP’s Price
For XRP holders, there is a potential risk. If Google’s blockchain gains traction, it could eat into the perceived utility of the XRP Ledger, and that could weigh on the token’s price. XRP already faces stiff competition from other networks like Solana (SOL-USD) and Ethereum (ETH-USD). Now it must contend with Silicon Valley’s biggest player.
Ripple still has the first-mover advantage. It has the partnerships, the tech, and the credibility built over a decade of trials and legal battles. If Ripple can innovate fast enough and prove its system superior, it could hold off Google and even thrive from the added attention on blockchain payments.
But investors should be realistic. The rise of GCUL shows that Big Tech is transitioning into the payments space. And when Google steps into something new, even an established player like Ripple has reason to look over its shoulder.
Is Google a Good Stock to Buy?
Wall Street’s stance on Alphabet remains positive. . Out of 36 analysts, 27 rate it a Buy, nine suggest a Hold, and none recommend a Sell.
The average 12-month GOOGL price target comes in at $230.06, pointing to a slight 0.96% downside from Google’s most recent close.
