$USDC Chamath Palihapitiya: Acquiring Circle Could Be a Strategic Masterstroke for Ripple

Chamath Palihapitiya, billionaire investor and founder of Social Capital, has suggested that #Ripple could make a strategically sound move by acquiring Circle — the fintech firm behind the USD Coin ($USDC ) stablecoin. Despite Circle's estimated valuation of $12–13 billion, Palihapitiya sees significant long-term potential in such an acquisition.

#Circle , which is currently preparing for a $1.1 billion initial public offering ($IPO), would rank among the largest ten listings of the year. With control over approximately 30% of the stablecoin market and a current valuation of $8.1 billion based on its $31 share price, the company stands out as a major force in the crypto-financial infrastructure space.

“If someone can buy it for $12–13 billion today, that could be a great deal considering where the company might be in 20 years,” Palihapitiya commented on X (formerly Twitter).

He also commended Circle for its robust infrastructure and forward-leaning approach toward regulatory developments in the U.S., specifically referencing its alignment with the proposed GENIUS Act, a legislative framework for stablecoins.

Ripple's Position Amid Acquisition Speculation

While speculation has swirled around Ripple as a potential buyer, CEO Brad Garlinghouse has publicly denied making any formal acquisition offer. Nonetheless, industry observers continue to view Ripple as a major player in the stablecoin space, particularly as the company expands its global financial services portfolio.

Palihapitiya emphasized that the future of the stablecoin market will likely be determined by firms capable of building fast, scalable, and cost-effective infrastructure.

“The company that builds the most efficient infrastructure and prices it leanly will likely take the lead,” he stated.

USDC’s Unprecedented Growth

Since 2020, $USDC has seen explosive growth — with its circulating