Can $XRP and $XLM Drive the Future of Visa's Digital Fiat Currency?

A Harvard presentation has refocused on Visa's 2020 patent detailing a blockchain-based system for digitizing fiat currency. Filed by the International Services Association of Visa and published as U.S. Patent Application No. US 2020/0151682 A1, this patent outlines a method for central banks to issue a digital version of national currency and manage cross-border transfers. The system proposed by Visa will convert physical cash into an equivalent digital currency recorded on the blockchain ledger, with a central authority managing the process, supported by validators and transaction processing tools. The focus is on adjusting traditional fiat currency into the blockchain infrastructure while maintaining the government-issued nature, with the aim of improving the speed and clarity of transactions that can be processed and tracked. What makes this development more relevant today is Harvard's inclusion of Ripple's XRP and Stellar's XLM in the discussion. Although Visa's patent does not name any assets, the university's research has mentioned both as components that could support the type of technology described. This endorsement comes from cryptocurrency researcher SMQKE, who has publicly shared these findings, generating widespread interest among followers of digital assets.

XRP and XLM Gain Credibility from Academia Harvard's decision to introduce XRP and XLM in relation to Visa's patents reflects a shift in how large organizations approach certain digital assets. These tokens, once regarded as purely speculative, are now being considered for roles in mainstream financial systems. The mention of them alongside Visa's patent activity indicates that they are being taken more seriously in discussions about future payment models. XRP, developed by Ripple Labs, is designed for fast global payments. It settles transactions in seconds and supports a decentralized exchange. Its consensus mechanism has been tested in business applications, and Ripple's 2014 whitepaper outlined how it maintains transaction speed and reliability through rapid consensus rounds. Stellar, XLM operates on a decentralized open network without a central owner. It can handle millions of transactions per day and is often used for cross-border money transfers. Compared to older blockchain systems, it is faster, cheaper, and uses less energy, making it a practical choice for large-scale digital payments. Technology Under Review Despite Legal Disputes Harvard's analysis comes at a time when Ripple is still engaged in legal proceedings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Even while the case is ongoing, the reference to XRP in an academic context indicates that attention to its technology is extending beyond legal issues or market behavior. Academic reference materials do not confirm the deployment, but the mention indicates that XRP and XLM are considered suitable technical options for Visa's plans. If either network is used in Visa's system, it would reflect a significant change in how traditional and digital finance may interact. The summary from SMQKE about Harvard's content reignites discussions on social media regarding the long-term role of cryptocurrencies in structured financial systems. The idea that XRP and XLM could one day support central bank-backed digital currencies provides new material for investors and developers to consider.