Could Ripple’s XRP and Stellar’s XLM Power Visa’s Digital Fiat Future? Harvard Insights

• Harvard mentions of XRP and XLM lit up crypto circles, hinting at real infrastructure roles.
• Visa patent’s blockchain plan gains weight as old “speculative” tokens get fresh institutional attention.

A Harvard presentation has renewed focus on a 2020 Visa patent detailing a blockchain-based system for digitizing fiat currency. Filed by Visa International Service Association and published as U.S. Patent Application No. US 2020/0151682 A1, the patent outlines a method for central banks to issue digital versions of national currencies and manage cross-border transfers.

Visa’s proposed system would convert physical cash into a digital equivalent recorded on a blockchain ledger, with a central authority managing the process, supported by validators and transaction-handling tools. The focus is on adapting traditional fiat currency to blockchain infrastructure while maintaining its government-issued nature, with the goal of improving how quickly and clearly transactions can be processed and tracked.

What makes this development more relevant now is Harvard’s inclusion of Ripple’s XRP and Stellar’s XLM in the discussion. While the Visa patent does not name either asset, the university’s study mentioned both as possible components that could support the kind of technology described. The endorsement came via crypto researcher SMQKE, who shared the findings publicly, setting off widespread interest among digital asset watchers.

Remember, Harvard cited VISA’s Digital FIAT Currency Settlement patent as an example of a blockchain based system that utilizes XRP and XLM.

XRP + XLM VISA

See for yourself:

Harvard Presentation: https://t.co/IdZj4hST2H

VISA Patent: https://t.co/H40g7irk80 pic.twitter.com/u9D6UPPoXu

— SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) June 9, 2025

XRP and XLM Gain Credibility From Academia

Harvard’s decision to feature XRP and XLM in connection with the Visa patent reflects a change in how major institutions are approaching certain digital assets. These tokens, once dismissed as purely speculative, are now being considered for roles in mainstream financial systems. Their mention alongside Visa’s patent activity suggests they’re 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 white paper outlined how it maintains transaction speed and reliability through quick consensus rounds.

Stellar, which runs XLM, operates on a decentralized open network with no central owner. It can handle millions of transactions per day and is often used for cross-border remittance. Compared to older blockchain systems, it’s faster, cheaper, and uses less energy, making it a practical option for large-scale digital payments.

Technology Under Review, Despite Legal Disputes

Harvard’s analysis appears during a period when Ripple remains involved in legal proceedings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Even with the case ongoing, XRP being referenced in an academic setting shows that attention toward its technology is extending beyond its regulatory issues or market behavior.

The academic reference didn’t confirm implementation, but the mention suggests XRP and XLM are seen as suitable technical options for Visa’s plans. If either network were used in Visa’s systems, it would reflect a notable shift in how traditional and digital finance might interact.

SMQKE’s summary of the Harvard content reigniting discussions across social media about the longer-term role of cryptocurrencies in structured financial systems. The idea that XRP and XLM might someday support central bank-backed digital cash gives investors and developers new material to consider.