Instant cryptocurrency exchange platform ShapeShift.io today announced to integrate Ripple (XRP) – the world’s second richest cryptocurrency by market cap.
The coin will now be exchangeable with 13 other cryptocurrencies, also available on the same platform. They include: Bitcoin, Darkcoin, Peercoin, NuBits, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Blackcoin, Namecoin, Feathercoin, BitcoinDark, Quark, Namecoin, Reddcoin and NXT.
Earlier this month, ShapeShift.io also launched a special ‘Shifty Button’ to its platform, which allows merchants to accept payments in BTC by instantly converting the altcoins at checkouts. Thus, XRP’s liquidity has been truly intensified with ShapeShift’s latest announcement. It will now be more accessible to merchants and users across the globe.
A lot has been said about the way with which XRP was distributed during its launch, especially when a notable chunk of its units (around 50%) was kept by its creators – raising the speculation of centralized ownership. But over time, XRP became more than just a trade-worthy cryptocurrency. Not only it is used to exchange assets within the Ripple network, but also as a necessary reserve for using the network briefly.
In the end, it seems like ShapeShift has a knack for understanding the potential of network-based cryptocurrencies. Just a few days back, the platform added NXT as well, a 100% POS cryptocurrency. Wherever these altcoins end up in the future, ShapeShift will keep growing – as it seems.
