Bitcoin or XRP: Can BRICS Reshape the Global Financial System?

Monetary tensions are intensifying as the BRICS accelerate their quest for independence from the US dollar. This dynamic disrupts global economic strategies and compels major powers to rethink their financial reserves. Currently, the Trump administration has announced the creation of a “strategic crypto stockpile,” reigniting an explosive debate between bitcoin proponents and those of XRP. Some see it as an official recognition of the role of these assets in monetary policy, while others question which cryptos will actually be integrated. Beyond a technological rivalry, this confrontation reveals major geopolitical stakes: the choice of the BRICS between bitcoin, XRP, or another crypto could reshape the balance of global reserves and redefine the power relations among states.

Bitcoin, a strategic pillar for the BRICS ?

President Donald Trump’s announcement regarding the creation of a “strategic crypto stockpile” has rekindled tensions around the role of bitcoin in monetary geopolitics. This initiative, seen by some as a recognition of the potential of cryptos, fuels speculation about which cryptos could be integrated into the official reserves of states. Among the voices raised in this debate, Jason P. Lowery, an officer in the US Space Force and a national security expert, asserts that bitcoin represents the most credible option for the BRICS. He justifies this position and emphasizes that “the next global reserve asset will be the one chosen by our competitors, notably China and Russia. Thus, they will opt for the one that ensures independence and resistance to censorship.”

For Lowery, the attractiveness of bitcoin lies in its decentralization and immunity from state interventions. Its functioning outside of any national jurisdiction grants it a unique status, in contrast to digital currencies supported by governments or private companies. This factor makes it, in his view, a solid alternative for nations seeking to reduce their dependence on the dollar and Western financial institutions. Conversely, cryptos like XRP, often associated with American companies like Ripple, could be perceived as a strategic risk by the BRICS. By choosing bitcoin, these emerging powers would seek to guarantee total sovereignty over their transactions and avoid any form of external control.

XRP, an opportunity hindered by its American ties ?

While XRP benefits from undeniable technical advantages, particularly due to its partnerships with financial institutions and its efficiency in cross-border transactions, its geopolitical positioning limits its adoption prospects within the BRICS. Jason P. Lowery questions XRP’s ability to establish itself as a strategic asset for these nations. He points out its close link with Ripple, an American company, and poses the following question: “do you really think countries like Russia or China will adopt a currency controlled by an American CEO?” According to him, this association with an entity under American jurisdiction significantly hampers XRP’s chances of being incorporated into the digital reserves of emerging powers.

However, some XRP advocates believe that clearer regulation in the United States could eventually favor its broader adoption. They argue that its gradual integration into international banking and financial infrastructures could make it a credible alternative to bitcoin. Nevertheless, Lowery warns against this perspective, deeming it unrealistic. He insists that the BRICS will primarily seek to ensure their monetary independence, which will drive them to prioritize a fully decentralized asset that is immune to American political pressures. In this context, adopting bitcoin would represent a pragmatic technological choice, but also a strong political signal of a break from the economic hegemony of the United States.

The duel between bitcoin and the XRP extends far beyond the technological and financial sphere. It reflects a profound shift in global power balances. If the BRICS choose to adopt bitcoin as a strategic asset, the United States may be forced to reassess its approach to avoid losing ground in the monetary arena. This evolution would mark a break from the traditional economic order, where the dollar still largely dominates international trade. As digital reserves expand, the competition between sovereign cryptos and state-influenced assets could reshape the foundations of the global financial system and accelerate the transition to a new monetary paradigm.