Hugo Philion (휴고 필리온), chief executive of Flare Networks, voiced strong optimism about XRP’s long-term value and expanding utility. He said XRP could evolve beyond a payments-focused digital asset into a financial product that generates real returns.

On Jan. 19, blockchain outlet The Crypto Basic reported that in a recent interview, Philion explained why some in the community describe XRP’s future as “crazy bullish”. He stressed that if XRP use on the Flare ecosystem accelerates, the asset’s nature itself could fundamentally change.

Philion said the Flare Network is seen as a blockchain aligned with Ripple’s vision for XRP utility. If hundreds of millions to billions of XRP are locked on Flare and used for on-chain activity, XRP would no longer remain merely a bridge currency. “If tens of billions of XRP are used every day, that becomes a true financial product that generates yield beyond a digital asset,” he said, describing the shift as a qualitative leap for XRP.

Flare aims to be a core infrastructure layer that enables productive use of XRP in a decentralised finance environment. XRP has previously been used only in limited ways for smart contract-based financial activity, but Flare would make large-scale financialisation possible, he said. Philion said a mutual boost would emerge between XRP and Flare and added, “In the end, only good things can happen.”

He said this vision is already showing early results. Flare has grown FXRP to about 88 million since launching it in September 2025. Philion said the notable point is that this amount was formed entirely through participation by retail investors, without involvement by institutional investors, and he called it a starting point for future expansion.

Philion also stressed a long-term view in response to XRP holders’ concerns about price stagnation. “Before Uber dominated the market, would it have focused only on profits?” he said, arguing that expanding infrastructure and adoption matters more than short-term price, citing examples of building market dominance before profitability. He said long-term value could be greatly strengthened if XRP is locked, distributed and established as a productive asset that generates real returns.

Beyond Flare, XRP-based DeFi products are also emerging on platforms such as wXRP from Hex Trust and mXRP from Midas, and the ecosystem continues to expand. The industry says that if this trend continues, XRP’s role could be redefined in a completely different direction from the past.