Google is preparing to enter the world of blockchain with a project that could put it head-to-head with Ripple. The Google Cloud Universal Ledger (GCUL) is still being tested, but its planned 2026 release is already drawing comparisons to the XRP Ledger (XRPL). TheCryptoBasic on X reported that some analysts see it as a possible rival to Ripple’s XRP Ledger (XRPL).
Ripple built its name around payments, settlements, and tokenization. Its native token, XRP, plays a key role in powering fast and low-cost cross-border transfers. GCUL is aiming at the same territory. It is being designed for banks, payment providers, and large institutions that want faster settlements and built-in compliance.
A report from Protos noted that GCUL’s features overlap with Ripple’s pitch. Fast global payments, programmable tokenization, and transparent costs sound very similar to what Ripple has promoted through XRPL for years. This overlap is why some see Google stepping directly into Ripple’s lane.
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What Makes Google’s Approach Different
Ripple’s XRPL has its own framework, while Google has chosen a different route. GCUL uses Python for smart contracts. Most blockchains rely on languages like Solidity or Rust, but Python is already common in finance and data science. That makes it easier for banks and enterprises to build applications.
For context, GCUL is a layer-1 blockchain built for banks, financial institutions, and large enterprises. Instead of trying to replace traditional money, Google designed it to complement existing financial systems by presenting faster settlement, asset tokenization, and…
— TheCryptoBasic (@thecryptobasic) August 28, 2025
GCUL also changes how fees work. Ripple uses a typical blockchain model where costs shift with demand. GCUL instead plans stable monthly invoices, giving institutions predictable expenses. Another difference is neutrality. GCUL is not tied to any one bank or competitor, which could make adoption easier.
One detail has gained special attention. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME Group), one of the world’s largest derivatives markets, is already testing GCUL for tokenization and wholesale payments. Protos noted that CME has not carried out such projects on Ripple’s XRPL. This early partnership signals that major institutions are willing to explore Google’s offering.
For Ripple, this matters. XRP has long promoted itself as a bridge for institutional payments. Seeing a player like CME experiment with GCUL puts fresh pressure on Ripple’s narrative.
Alphabet’s Size Versus Ripple’s Track Record
Alphabet, Google’s parent company, is worth more than $2.5 trillion. Ripple cannot match that scale. GCUL will also connect with Google Cloud tools like BigQuery and Vertex AI, offering real-time data, fraud monitoring, and compliance support. For institutions, that combination is powerful.
Ripple still has something Google does not: years of proven activity. XRP has already been used by banks, remittance firms, and payment providers. GCUL remains in testing and will not launch until 2026. That gives Ripple time to maintain its position while Google builds.
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What This Could Mean for Ripple and XRP Price
At the moment, XRP price is shaped more by Ripple’s adoption progress and ongoing legal battles than by competition from Google. When GCUL launches, financial institutions will have another option to consider. That could eventually change how the market views Ripple, XRP, and their role in payments.
Ripple has led the charge for blockchain payments for years. Google’s GCUL could shift that story. The real question is whether banks will stay with Ripple’s trusted system or turn to Google’s scale and technology. As 2026 approaches, the answer could reshape the rivalry between XRP and GCUL.
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