The XRP community is rallying behind Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, celebrating his audacious decisions amidst ongoing regulatory hurdles. His leadership has not only earned respect but also a crucial nod from the SEC for Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD. In a recent 60 Minutes interview, John E. Deaton underscored Garlinghouse’s tenacity in Ripple’s persistent legal skirmish with the SEC and applauded the launch of their stablecoin. This has fueled discussions about Garlinghouse potentially being the “Crypto CEO of the Year.”
A Tough Fight with the SEC
Ripple has been embroiled in a protracted legal confrontation with the SEC. Industry experts, including John E. Deaton, remain hopeful about the company’s chances of prevailing. Deaton highlights the backing of influential commissioners such as Hester Peirce, Mark Uyeda, and Paul Atkins, who advocate for dismissing the SEC’s appeal against Ripple.
If the appeal is indeed dismissed through a voting process, Ripple could finally gain the regulatory clarity necessary to operate more liberally within the U.S. market. Such a victory would not only be a significant milestone for Ripple but could also unlock a wealth of growth opportunities in the U.S., a pivotal region for the company’s expansion strategy.
Positioning for a Regulatory Breakthrough
John E. Deaton anticipates 2025 as a potentially transformative year for Ripple, particularly if the SEC’s appeal is rejected—a sentiment echoed by even staunch critics like John Reed Stark. With a pro-crypto administration and the possibility of bipartisan regulatory clarity looming, Ripple’s prospects for U.S. market expansion look promising.
Despite regulatory challenges, Ripple has demonstrated remarkable resilience, operating 95% of its business outside the U.S. amid ongoing hurdles. In January 2024, Ripple’s daring $285 million share buyback at an $11 billion valuation showcased a strong vote of confidence, even amidst legal uncertainties. Armed with $1 billion in cash and 40 billion XRP held in escrow, Deaton speculates that Ripple’s market valuation could surpass $100 billion. A favorable outcome in the appeal process could set the stage for Ripple’s IPO as early as late 2025 or early 2026.
Moreover, with a potential shift in political landscape, many predict that the Ripple vs. SEC case may be dismissed under a new SEC commissioner. The launch of RLUSD prior to the conclusion of the lawsuit in January suggests Ripple’s confidence in a swift resolution.
However, the anticipated positive impact on XRP hasn’t materialized as expected, with a 12% drop to $2.07. As the entire crypto market faces seasonal downturns, it remains to be seen how and when XRP will reach its ambitious target of $3.
Is XRP a Good Investment?
XRP presents a potentially lucrative investment opportunity, given Ripple’s strong leadership, solid financial foundation, and anticipated regulatory clarity in 2025, which could catalyze growth. Nevertheless, ongoing SEC challenges and market volatility are risks that investors should weigh carefully.
How High Can XRP Go?
The potential for XRP to climb to $3 or beyond hinges on Ripple achieving a favorable resolution in its legal battle with the SEC and obtaining regulatory clarity in the U.S. This, coupled with Ripple’s robust financial position and possible IPO, could significantly drive its growth trajectory.
