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AI Agents on XRP Ledger Favor Ripple USD Over XRP, XRPL AI Hub Data Shows
Autonomous AI agents using XRP Ledger infrastructure for around-the-clock settlements have begun to favor regulated stablecoins over native crypto assets on a large scale, according to XRPL AI Hub data. The shift means these agents are opting for Ripple USD rather than XRP when settling transactions around the clock. The data comes from XRPL AI Hub, which tracks activity on the XRP Ledger. The article also references a new prediction from BlackRock, though no further details on that prediction are provided in the available text.
UK Banks Complete World's First Interbank Tokenized Deposit Transactions
Seven of the UK's largest banks, including Lloyds, NatWest, Barclays and HSBC, completed the world's first interbank blockchain transactions using tokenized deposits on September 24, 2026, clearing and settling remortgage completions and marketplace peer-to-peer payments on Quant's Overledger platform with support from EY and Linklaters. The program, formally the Grantham Business Tokenized Deposits initiative, connected the seven banks to the Bank of England's RTGS, Faster Payments and Open Banking infrastructure, with the deposits functioning as commercial bank money rather than a separate asset class. The same Quant platform was selected by The Clearing House for its US On-Chain Money Initiative, which will bring tokenized deposits to 25 of the largest US banks, including Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, HSBC, BNY Mellon, PNC, US Bank and Truist, targeting an H1 2027 launch aligned with the GENIUS Act enforcement cliff of January 18, 2027. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said in a July 2025 interview with The Times that he could not understand the need for stablecoins and believed tokenisation offered more value, a stance favoring tokenized deposits over stablecoins for wholesale settlement. Three digital bonds are planned for early 2027 settled with tokenized deposits, a dedicated company is being formed to govern the program, and a governance framework is being established to manage the transition from pilot to production.
Mastercard Begins Stablecoin Settlement With SoFi Bank Card Program
Mastercard has begun settling SoFi Bank card transactions using SoFiUSD, putting a bank-issued stablecoin to work inside an operating card program. SoFi says the program is expected to handle more than $25 billion in annualized card volume, a figure that represents the size of the card program rather than a reported total for stablecoin transactions or new Mastercard revenue. Merchants can receive funds without holding tokens or building blockchain systems, which the companies say improves the arrangement's chances of fitting into everyday payments. Mastercard shares held flat at $565.21 at 11.38am ET on Friday, leaving the stock 17.49% below its $685 GF Value estimate. The company's opportunity lies in keeping its network central as the asset used for settlement changes, with proof to come from faster or cheaper settlement, wider adoption and eventually measurable revenue.
