The blockchain giant is bogged down in a legal case with the SEC, the outcome of which could have ramifications for the entire industry. At the same time, Ripple's new roadmap fosters compliant tools and services.

Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization is bringing the vast traditional markets to digital asset networks. But physical assets are difficult to connect to 'virtual value networks'. The blockchain industry players are bridging the gap.

More legal tussling as the blockchain company claims that the so-called Fox Declaration should have been classified as expert testimony, not "standard summary evidence," as the SEC claims.

While the population is "digitally savvy," data within the study suggests that encouraging consumers to switch to a CBDC may be an uphill struggle. Just 40% of payments in the Middle East and Central Asia were made digitally in 2021.

The firm calls the penalty "draconian" and unjustified, arguing that a fine closer to $10 million would be more appropriate.

The new protocol will function partly off-chain and draws inspiration from traditional banking models. Although it has sparked excitement within the ecosystem, there are also concerns about whether it might be considered an unlicensed lending product.

Aiming for a slice of a rapidly growing market, Ripple, the company behind the XRP Ledger, has announced its own stablecoin. The token, pegged to the value of the US dollar, is expected to launch later this year.

Ripple faces a hefty potential financial penalty following a new proposal from the SEC. The firm maintains the sales were legal and plans to contest the charges in April.