Ripple and Silbert Lead Surge of Startups in Post‑Crypto Collapse Payments

Why It Matters

The shift from legacy correspondent banking to blockchain‑based settlement could dramatically lower costs and increase speed for international trade, benefiting corporations and consumers alike. By attracting reputable operators like Ripple and well‑connected investors such as Barry Silbert, the market signals a restoration of confidence after years of crypto‑related turmoil, encouraging broader institutional adoption. Moreover, the involvement of central banks through initiatives like Project Agora suggests that regulatory frameworks will soon co‑evolve with the technology, potentially creating a globally interoperable payments fabric. This alignment of private innovation and public policy could accelerate the transition to a more inclusive, transparent global financial system.

Key Takeaways

• Ripple and Barry Silbert are leading new startups targeting cross‑border payments after the 2022‑23 crypto collapse.
• Global cross‑border payment volume is projected to exceed $250 trillion annually by 2027.
• BIS Project Agora is testing tokenized settlements with seven central banks and 40+ private firms.
• Garlinghouse focuses on a protocol‑level solution; Silbert funds the broader compliance and data infrastructure.
• The collapse cleared over‑leveraged crypto players, leaving a healthier field for disciplined operators.

Pulse Analysis

The post‑collapse environment has created a rare alignment of market demand, regulatory clarity, and capital availability. Ripple’s protocol‑centric strategy leverages its early mover advantage and deep ties with banks that were previously hesitant to engage with crypto firms. If Ripple can convert those relationships into real‑world settlement volume, it could lock in a de‑facto standard for tokenized payments, similar to how SWIFT once dominated messaging.

Silbert’s approach, however, reflects a hedge against protocol risk. By investing across compliance, fiat on‑ramps and data services, his portfolio becomes indispensable regardless of which settlement layer wins out. This mirrors the infrastructure‑as‑a‑service model that powered the rise of cloud computing, suggesting that the next wave of payments innovation may be less about a single blockchain and more about a suite of interoperable services.

Investors should watch two leading indicators: the speed at which central banks move from pilots to production, and the ability of Ripple and Silbert‑backed firms to meet the stringent AML/KYC standards required for high‑value flows. Early success could trigger a cascade of additional funding, while any misstep—especially around regulatory compliance—could reignite the skepticism that lingered after the crypto bust. The coming year will likely determine whether the $250 trillion market reshapes around a single protocol or a diversified infrastructure ecosystem.