"using its blockchain technology to move large sums of money across borders." I've noticed in various articles when they present it in those terms, they mean not using XRP just technology that ripple developed.

Banks just aren't interested in public chains, This has been demonstrated in both XRPs case and Ethereum. Doesn't stop people using this type of information to pump either ETH or XRP. The public chains basically represent free money to ripple and the Ethereum Foundation.