Ripple’s potential public listing is back in the spotlight after SBI Holdings CEO Yoshitaka Kitao gave one of the clearest long-term timelines yet from a major Ripple shareholder. Kitao, who leads SBI—one of Japan’s largest financial conglomerates—made comments that have since caught the attention of the XRP community. Speaking about his long-term investment plans, he said he’s ready to invest between $626 million and $1.25 billion in Ripple when the payments technology company goes public.
SBI CEO Says Ripple Needs to Go Public
The question of whether Ripple Labs will ever list on a public stock exchange has been around for years, though Ripple’s executives have consistently played down expectations of an IPO. In a related note, Ripple’s move toward privacy and a reorganization of the XRP Ledger could affect the network.
Speaking at a recent conference in Tokyo, Kitao said that when Ripple Labs goes public, he plans to invest heavily. According to his remarks, SBI would be willing to put in ¥100 billion or even ¥200 billion at once to fully complete the process.
Interestingly, the SBI Holdings CEO added that he believes Ripple will likely go public in about 12 years, while also stating that Ripple needs to do so. That timeline places the possible listing outside the current cycle, pointing to around 2038. This comment matters because Kitao isn’t a distant observer or an XRP commentator trying to predict the next price surge. SBI has been one of Ripple’s most consistent supporters, with a relationship dating back to 2016.
SBI invested in Ripple Labs and later co-founded SBI Ripple Asia, a joint venture focused on using Ripple’s technology for cross-border payments in Asia. SBI has also publicly disclosed that it holds about 9% of Ripple Labs, making it one of the company’s largest outside shareholders.
The Firm Has Always Resisted IPO Talk
Discussions about a Ripple IPO have followed the company for years, especially after its legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission officially ended in 2025. Ripple has also grown into areas like custody, stablecoin infrastructure, real-world asset tokenization, and acquisitions. In a related note, here’s how XRP is making its next major push into the trillion-dollar Wall Street market.
However, Ripple executives have noted that the company isn’t rushing into an IPO. For example, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse dismissed IPO talk last year, saying the company doesn’t need outside funding. Ripple President Monica Long also said in January 2026 that Ripple still planned to stay private, explaining that its balance sheet gives it enough room to keep growing without raising capital from public markets. This stance aligns with Ripple’s recent strength in private markets, as the company raised $500 million at a valuation of about $40 billion in late 2025.
Featured image from Pxfuel, chart from Tradingview.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the article A Ripple IPO isnt just wishful thinking An industry expert has shared when XRP investors can expect the company to go public
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is an IPO
An IPO is when a private company sells shares of its stock to the public for the first time Its how a company like Ripple would go public on a stock exchange
2 Is Ripple going public for sure
Not yet An industry expert shared a timeline but its still speculation Ripple hasnt officially announced an IPO but many believe its likely in the future
3 When does the expert think Ripple will go public
The expert suggests Ripple could go public sometime in 2025 or 2026 depending on market conditions and the outcome of legal issues
4 Why would an IPO matter to XRP investors
If Ripple goes public it could increase trust and visibility for the company This might boost XRPs price because XRP is central to Ripples payment network
5 Will I get free XRP if Ripple does an IPO
No An IPO gives you shares in Ripple not XRP tokens They are separate assets
Advanced Questions
6 What legal hurdles are still blocking a Ripple IPO
The main hurdle is Ripples ongoing lawsuit with the US Securities and Exchange Commission Until the case is fully resolved an IPO is risky for the company
7 How would an IPO affect XRPs role in Ripples business
An IPO would likely force Ripple to be more transparent It could also separate Ripples stock price from XRPs volatility though XRP would still be used for payments
8 Could an IPO hurt XRP holders
Possibly If Ripple sells shares to raise money it might reduce the companys need to sell XRP from its escrow accounts That could lower selling pressure but its not guaranteed
9 Whats the difference between buying Ripple stock and buying XRP
Ripple stock Gives you ownership in the company and potential dividends