In addition to Kyle's great explanation above there is one other point. Ripple's block-chain technology is what is primarily being pushed by Ripple. The Ripple network has the potential to save banks 33% of their remittance costs; however, if those banks use XRP as the transfer-of-value unit, total transaction costs can be cut by 60% versus what is currently paid. This is how Ripple will try to promote XRP. Whether or not XRP ever ends up being used by large financial sectors, I believe Ripple's current business plan will definitely make them a front runner in working alongside banks that need to badly update from their current practices.