In a crypto market often driven by noise, speculation, and short-term price swings, credibility still matters. When a seasoned traditional finance executive speaks plainly on a mainstream network, the message carries weight.
A recent CNBC segment delivered exactly that kind of moment, challenging long-held misconceptions about XRP and forcing viewers to reconsider its real-world relevance.
The discussion gained wider attention after crypto commentator Levi Rietveld shared the clip on X, drawing focus to a conversation that cut through years of skepticism surrounding Ripple and XRP. Rather than fueling hype, the segment addressed utility, infrastructure, and institutional adoption—topics that increasingly define the next phase of digital asset growth.
$XRP ARMY DID YOU LISTEN?? pic.twitter.com/K9l1c7hWbi
— Levi | Crypto Crusaders (@LeviRietveld) January 7, 2026
CNBC Raises the Core Question
During the segment, the CNBC host voiced a familiar critique. Many investors, the host suggested, believe Ripple and similar tokens exist solely for speculation. The question directly asked what actual use case XRP serves beyond trading, echoing a narrative that has followed the asset for years despite ongoing development within the Ripple ecosystem.
That framing set the stage for a clear and decisive response.
Teucrium CEO Pushes Back on Speculation Claims
Teucrium CEO Sal Gilbertie dismissed the idea that XRP lacks utility. He acknowledged that market participants can speculate on XRP, but he emphasized that speculation does not define its purpose.
“XRP, that’s absolutely not the case,” Gilbertie said. He explained that Ripple built its technology to move money efficiently, particularly across borders, where legacy systems remain slow and costly.
Gilbertie made it clear that XRP functions as infrastructure, not a concept waiting for relevance. He framed Ripple’s original mission around transaction efficiency, liquidity, and real-world financial rails.
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Tokenization and the Bridge to Traditional Finance
Gilbertie then pointed to Ripple’s expanding ambitions. He highlighted the company’s focus on tokenization, noting that Ripple’s Layer-2 development aims to tokenize a wide range of assets. According to him, this effort positions Ripple to support far more than payments, extending into capital markets and asset settlement.
He also referenced Ripple’s acquisition of a regulated broker-dealer clearing member, calling it a critical step toward merging traditional finance with decentralized systems. “I think that that’s the first step toward integrating traditional finance with DeFi,” Gilbertie said, adding, “This is going to be a breakthrough. It is a breakthrough.”
Why This Moment Matters for XRP Investors
Levi Rietveld’s decision to spotlight the clip reflects its broader significance. A traditional asset manager speaking on CNBC framed XRP as functional financial infrastructure capable of supporting tokenized markets and large-scale value movement. That message signals a shift in how institutional voices discuss XRP.
As tokenization and blockchain-based settlement gain traction, XRP’s narrative increasingly centers on utility, not speculation. For investors paying attention, the message was unmistakable.
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.
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