In 2025, Apex marked not only the 13 years of XRPL, but it also served as the time cryptocurrency’s technology got into institutional finance. This global event took place in Singapore with the participation of banks, regulators, and builders from all over the world.
Leaders in the Ripple made their position known from the onset. The chief technical officer, David Schwartz, also known as “Crypto Spice,” was the first one to steer the blockchain’s next phase, which would see the sector conform to conformity-led banking policies.
The first day set the tone with a recap of the past and an outlook into the future. The Ripple team showcased the evolution of XRPL from payments to asset-based tokens. Zhu Kuang Lee from HSBC supported this with real-world examples of tokenization. His point was that institutional finance had come on-chain; it was no longer peripheral. You could sense everyone in the crowd felt that shift.
Ondo brings tokenized treasuries to XRPL
Day two brought proof. Ondo Finance launched its tokenized U.S. Treasuries (OUSG) on XRPL. Backed by RLUSD, Ripple’s new stablecoin, this offering gives institutions 24/7 access to Treasuries that are fully liquid, programmable, and live.
More stablecoins followed. Five new assets, USDC, RLUSD, XSGD, EURØP, and USDB, are now native to XRPL. Each one expands reach into new regulatory zones and trading pairs. A standout panel explained how these tokens power cross-border liquidity, not just speculation.
Guggenheim also dropped big news: the first digital commercial paper (DCP) on XRPL. Backed by U.S. Treasuries and rated Prime-1 by Moody’s, the asset adds depth to XRPL’s growing RWA toolkit. From bonds to paper, institutions now have on-ledger options.
UBRI connect highlights innovation at NUS
UBRI Connect ran alongside the summit. It was hosted at the National University of Singapore and focused on academic innovation. With more than 160 scholars from leading universities and a 36-hour XRPL hackathon, it blended research with application.
Institutional finance isn’t where the future is only being debated; students are actively building it. Ripple capped the week with the announcement of a Japan-focused Web3 startup program.
The region is now receiving backbuilders, which Ripple sees as long-term infrastructure for grants, mentorship, and ecosystem building. Asia is in a position to benefit greatly from this shift.
Apex 2025 didn’t just recap progress; it launched a new phase too. With stablecoins, compliance features, and tokenized real-world assets now available, XRPL is ready for premier use. Blockchain technology is no longer awaited; it’s being built upon.
