Ripple and Zebec Network in Talks: Examining XRP, ZBCN, and On-Chain Finance

At 8:00 AM Pacific Standard Time on May 21, 2025, a live X space co-hosted by Zebec Network and Uphold delivered something rare in crypto–substance. No hype, no staged theatrics.

Just a clear, unfiltered dialogue between Uphold’s Head of Research, Dr. Martin Hiesboeck, and Zebec Network COO Siman Babakhani, moderator Ben White, and a quietly listening XRP and ZBCN community that’s long learned how to read between the lines. And between the lines, something big was revealed.

It wasn’t an official press release, but a nod. Ripple, the company behind XRP, has been in direct talks with Zebec Network over the past few weeks. YouTuber Mr. Foresight from Grow Rich Grow Happy, who listened live, with other 15,000 other listeners.

“Ripple has been in talks with Zebec over the last couple of weeks on some kind of partnership or collaborative deal,” Mr. Foresight said in his May 21 recap. “That’s all they would say, but the fact that they’re even having the conversation is huge.”

The Context: Why This Matters

Zebec isn’t your average token project. Built as a real-time, programmable payment protocol, Zebec has already launched DeFi-native payroll systems, payment cards, and cross-chain treasury tools. Its token–ZBCN–isn’t just for speculation; it’s designed for velocity: payroll flows, DAO disbursements, and streaming payments that move like water.

So why would Ripple care?

Ripple dominates institutional corridors. Its XRP-powered On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) system is used by banks and remittance firms worldwide. But it hasn’t penetrated the realm of on-chain, programmable finance–the world Zebec is quietly mastering.

A collaboration, even loosely defined, suggests a potential merger of Ripple’s liquidity and compliance infrastructure with Zebec’s DeFi-native tools.

What We Heard in the X Space

Hosted by Zebec and Uphold, the morning session featured:

· Dr. Martin Hiesboeck, Head of Research at Uphold

· Simon Babakhani, COO of Zebec Network

· Ben White, moderator and co-host

While Ripple wasn’t directly on the call, the conversation acknowledged their involvement. Dr. Martin described Uphold’s interest in Zebec as “vision-first”–stating that Zebec has the kind of utility and design Uphold seeks when adding assets to its platform. He disclosed Uphold currently holds over $35 million in ZBCN, a signal of serious institutional support.

“If you can’t convince me of your project by the 6th floor of our elevator, I’m out,” Dr. Martin said. “Zebec nailed it.”

Mr. Foresight confirmed afterward that Ripple and Zebec have communicated about a potential partnership, though no official announcement has been made. This isn’t pure speculation–it’s based on language used directly by the panel.

Airdrops, Treasury Tools, and Institutional Momentum

During the talk, Simon and Dr. Martin also discussed a new airdrop campaign coming to Uphold users who hold ZBCN. While details remain limited, Mr. Foresight emphasized that the requirement is likely simple: hold your ZBCN on Uphold.

Even more interesting was talk of an institutional-facing partnership between Uphold and Zebec, potentially signaling deeper treasury integrations. This echoes Ripple’s own institutional roots, adding weight to the alignment.

“They’re going to start offering services for treasury management using ZBCN,” Mr. Foresight recapped. “That’s big. That’s exactly where Ripple operates, too.”

The Underrated Value of ZBCN

ZBCN trades under a penny. Yet it’s powering real-time payroll flows, accepted on multiple exchanges, and now reportedly in discussions with Ripple.

Mr. Foresight, who revealed he now holds over 5 million ZBCN tokens, said:

“This is not some flip. I’m holding long. Because I think it can hit a dollar this cycle–and if Ripple’s in the picture, even higher.”

His advice? “Don’t chase green candles. Accumulate. Stake. Wait.”

Why This Might Actually Happen

Ripple doesn’t move fast, but it moves deliberately. Every partnership they announce–from MoneyGram to Tranglo–has been built on years of groundwork. The fact that Zebec is even in conversation with Ripple shows the protocol has cleared that early vetting stage.

It’s also worth noting: Zebec solves a problem Ripple hasn’t tackled yet–streaming programmable payments for the gig economy, DAOs, and crypto-native startups. If XRP powers macro-level liquidity, ZBCN could power the micro.

What to Watch Next

· Uphold Airdrop Campaign: Likely within weeks

· Treasury Integrations: New Zebec services coming to institutions

· Ripple Update: Any public follow-up to the internal discussions

· Token Listings: More exchanges may follow Uphold’s lead

And if Ripple ever announces something official? Expect the lid to blow off this low-cap gem.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss the Whisper

Crypto news doesn’t always break with a bang. Sometimes, it slips out between lines of cautious phrasing in a Wednesday morning livestream.

Ripple and Zebec may not have “announced” anything yet–but something’s clearly brewing. And those who caught the X Space–and Mr. Foresight’s powerful debrief–know it.

This isn’t just another rumor. It’s a breadcrumb trail. And for those who follow it, the path may lead straight to the next big asymmetric bet in 2025.