Ripple execs clash over memecoins at XRP Apex 2025 amid Dogecoin hype

The XRP Apex 2025 summit became the stage for a striking difference of opinion within Ripple’s leadership, as CEO Brad Garlinghouse and President Monica Long offered opposing views on the role of memecoins in shaping the crypto industry.

While Long emphasised the long-term ecosystem benefits that emerged from memecoin mania, Garlinghouse warned against their sustainability, describing most of them as “grossly overrated.”

The split reflects a larger tension in the digital asset sector, where rapid adoption and speculative trading collide with calls for real-world use cases.

Monica Long argues memecoins drive infrastructure and adoption

Ripple President Monica Long framed memecoins as a growth catalyst for Web3, likening their impact to Ethereum’s 2017 ICO boom.

Speaking onstage at the event, Long acknowledged the risks and scams associated with many of these tokens but emphasised their unexpected benefits.

She credited memecoins with encouraging new wallet users, attracting developers, and accelerating blockchain infrastructure.

“Memecoins really drove a lot of the ecosystem buildout,” Long explained, stating that despite their often unserious tone, many have resulted in tangible improvements to the crypto landscape.

She argued that these tokens—frequently dismissed as hype-driven—should be recognised for their ability to spark innovation and onboard new participants.

Her remarks came at a time when newer meme-based cryptocurrencies like Pepe, Bonk, and Shiba Inu continue to dominate trading volumes and social media trends, especially across platforms like crypto Twitter and Telegram.

Brad Garlinghouse rejects memecoins as sustainable investment assets

In contrast, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse expressed serious doubts about the long-term value of memecoins.

He described the sector as driven by unsustainable hype cycles, where attention and liquidity surge briefly before moving on.

Garlinghouse warned that these speculative trends risk damaging the credibility of the broader crypto industry, especially when regulators or politicians use them as examples of market irresponsibility.

Garlinghouse admitted that he had once misjudged Dogecoin, now one of the most liquid and well-known cryptocurrencies in the world.

While he had previously criticised DOGE for lacking utility, he acknowledged that Elon Musk’s support had effectively embedded the coin into the global crypto conversation.

Despite this concession, Garlinghouse reiterated Ripple’s focus on building long-term utility and customer-centric products.

He argued that the company’s strategic direction remains rooted in real-world use cases and sustainable innovation—far from the volatile landscape of memecoin speculation.

XRP-themed memecoin mention sends waves through the community

The panel took an unexpected turn when Garlinghouse, with a smile, said that if he were to buy a meme token, it would be an “All the Money XRP” coin—a fictional XRP-themed memecoin.

Long quickly challenged him to follow through on the purchase, joking that he now had a “homework assignment.”

Though humorous, the exchange caused a buzz both on-site and online, briefly turning the spotlight onto the idea of an XRP-inspired meme token.

This moment highlighted the cultural power of memecoins, even among established players typically focused on enterprise solutions and compliance frameworks.

Division within Ripple mirrors wider memecoin debate in crypto

The divide between Long and Garlinghouse at XRP Apex 2025 echoed broader conversations across the digital asset sector.

On one side, supporters argue that memecoins offer a low-barrier entry into crypto, spark innovation, and drive engagement from younger demographics.

On the other, critics suggest they distract from serious projects, inflate short-term hype, and provide ammunition for sceptics seeking to restrict or regulate decentralised technologies.

The discussion also touched on political scrutiny, with Garlinghouse referencing how figures like US Senator Elizabeth Warren often highlight memecoins to push anti-crypto narratives.

He warned that excessive focus on speculative tokens could hurt efforts to build trust and win over institutions.

Nonetheless, both executives agreed on one point: Dogecoin’s staying power is no longer in question.

What began as a joke has transformed into a cryptocurrency with deep liquidity and global awareness.

And with memecoins continuing to trend across exchanges and social media platforms, their long-term influence—good or bad—remains part of the evolving crypto story.

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