Ripple’s "Intents" System: The Key to Mainstream Blockchain Adoption

(Part 3 of the Series)

Brad. M

3/12/20252 min read

The Problem with Crypto Today

Crypto adoption has been hindered by complexity. As Austin King of Omni Network puts it, "People don't care about the details." Today’s blockchain systems force users to think in terms of transactions—choosing networks, managing wallets, handling gas fees—rather than simply stating what they want to do.

This complexity is a major barrier to mass adoption. Most people just want to send money, make payments, or execute trades without worrying about the underlying mechanics.

Ripple’s Solution: "Intents" Instead of Transactions

Ripple is building its custody platform around intents, a revolutionary approach that simplifies blockchain interactions. Just as Omni Network is working to make blockchain access seamless across different chains, Ripple is doing the same for funds, businesses, and governments.

Instead of forcing users to manually handle every step of a transaction, Ripple’s system allows them to express their intent (e.g., "Send $100 to John") and the backend takes care of the rest—selecting the best blockchain, handling gas fees, and ensuring smooth execution.

How It Works

Traditional Crypto Transactions (The Hard Way)

Choose a blockchain (Ethereum, Solana, etc.)

Pick a compatible wallet

Pay gas fees in the correct token

Manually confirm the transaction and wait for completion

Ripple’s "Intents" System (The Easy Way)

User states what they want (e.g., "Send $100 to John")

Ripple’s system automates the process, choosing the best route

No need for users to manage wallets, gas fees, or network congestion

This shift removes the friction that has made blockchain adoption so difficult for businesses and governments.

Why This Matters Now

As Austin King notes, we are at an inflection point. Blockchain technology is now mature enough to onboard the traditional financial system. At the same time, U.S. regulations are taking shape, giving institutions the clarity they need to enter the space.

While markets are currently down, King urges investors to zoom out and see the bigger picture. The current volatility will be remembered as the "experimental casino stage" before crypto became a mainstream financial system.

What This Means for Retail Investors

  1. Easier Crypto Adoption – As Ripple removes complexity, businesses and governments will be more likely to integrate blockchain into their operations.

  2. Increased Demand for XRP – Ripple’s payment and custody solutions could drive greater utility for XRP, potentially increasing its value.

  3. Long-Term Growth – If blockchain becomes as easy as PayPal or Venmo, mainstream adoption will follow, benefiting early investors.

Final Thoughts

Ripple’s approach to "intents" could be one of the biggest breakthroughs in crypto adoption. By making blockchain as simple as traditional banking, Ripple is paving the way for businesses, governments, and individuals to use crypto without the hassle.

As King suggests, this is just the beginning. While volatility will persist, those who see the larger shift unfolding will be best positioned for the future of finance.