The XRP community has been buzzing with excitement as Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, makes fearless decisions in the face of regulatory hurdles. His strategic moves, particularly the recent approval from the SEC for Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD, have garnered significant attention. Renowned legal expert John E. Deaton, following his appearance on 60 Minutes, praised Garlinghouse for his unwavering determination during Ripple’s ongoing struggle with the SEC. This has sparked discussions about Garlinghouse being a strong contender for the title of “Crypto CEO of the Year.” As Ripple navigates through turbulent times and continues to expand, the year 2025 could very well mark a pivotal era for the company.
A Tough Fight with the SEC
Ripple has been embroiled in an extensive legal battle with the SEC. Many, including crypto authority John E. Deaton, harbor optimism that Ripple might emerge victorious. Deaton emphasizes the backing of influential commissioners such as Hester Peirce, Mark Uyeda, and Paul Atkins, who advocate for the dismissal of the SEC’s appeal. Should the appeal be voted down, Ripple could finally secure the clarity necessary to operate more liberally within the U.S. market. Such an outcome would represent a substantial triumph for Ripple, unlocking fresh avenues for growth in a vital market.
Positioning for a Regulatory Breakthrough
Looking ahead, Deaton forecasts that 2025 might be a watershed year for Ripple, particularly if the SEC’s appeal is overturned. Even skeptics like John Reed Stark acknowledge the potential for change. With a pro-crypto administration anticipated and emerging bipartisan regulatory clarity, Ripple’s prospects for U.S. market expansion seem promising. Despite facing regulatory challenges, Ripple demonstrated resilience by achieving 95% of its operations outside the U.S.
In January 2024, Ripple’s audacious $285 million share buyback at an $11 billion valuation reflected its confidence amidst legal uncertainties. Deaton speculates that Ripple’s valuation could soar beyond $100 billion, especially with $1 billion in cash reserves and 40 billion XRP held in escrow. A favorable resolution could pave the way for Ripple’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) by late 2025 or early 2026.
Furthermore, if Trump is re-elected, many anticipate that the Ripple vs. SEC case will be dismissed by a new SEC commissioner. The launch of RLUSD prior to the final stages of the Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit in January suggests Ripple’s confidence that the case will not prolong any further. Despite this news, XRP’s value has not surged as expected; instead, it dropped by 12% to $2.07. With the entire crypto market experiencing a downturn during the holiday season, it remains to be seen when XRP will achieve its much-anticipated milestone of $3.
Is XRP a Good Investment?
XRP presents itself as a potentially lucrative investment, thanks to Ripple’s robust leadership, solid financial standing, and the prospect of regulatory clarity in 2025, which could significantly enhance growth. However, ongoing challenges with the SEC and market volatility are risks that investors should carefully assess.
How high can XRP go?
If Ripple secures a favorable outcome in its legal dispute with the SEC and earns regulatory clarity in the U.S., XRP could potentially reach a value of $3 or more. This positive outcome, coupled with Ripple’s strong financial foundation and the possibility of an IPO, could drive substantial growth for XRP.
