What is XRP? A Comprehensive Guide to Ripple’s Cryptocurrency

XRP is the native cryptocurrency of the XRP Ledger, a decentralized blockchain designed to facilitate fast, cost-efficient, and scalable cross-border payments. Developed by Ripple Labs, XRP aims to solve common problems in traditional financial systems, such as high fees and slow transaction times. Here’s everything you need to know about XRP, why it’s gaining traction in the world of blockchain and cryptocurrency, and why XRP price predictions are bullish.

Key Features of XRP: Blazing-Fast Transactions: XRP transactions settle in just 3-5 seconds, making it one of the fastest cryptocurrencies. Low Fees: Each transaction costs mere fractions of a cent, making XRP ideal for microtransactions and large remittances alike. High Scalability: The XRP Ledger can handle up to 1,500 transactions per second (TPS), far outpacing many other blockchains. Energy Efficient: Unlike Bitcoin, XRP does not rely on energy-intensive mining, reducing its carbon footprint significantly. XRP Use Cases: Cross-Border Payments: XRP acts as a bridge currency, enabling instant settlement between different fiat currencies. Financial institutions leverage Ripple’s technology, such as RippleNet, to streamline global payments. Liquidity Management: Banks and payment providers use XRP to eliminate the need for pre-funded accounts in foreign currencies, freeing up capital. Decentralized Applications: Developers are building innovative DeFi projects on the XRP Ledger, making it an emerging platform for decentralized finance. Ripple vs. XRP: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to understand that Ripple is the company behind XRP-focused technologies, while XRP is the independent digital asset used on the XRP Ledger. Although Ripple Labs plays a significant role in promoting XRP adoption, the cryptocurrency and blockchain itself remain decentralized.

Legal Challenges: XRP and the SEC Lawsuit

A major point of controversy for XRP is its ongoing legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC claims XRP was sold as an unregistered security, raising questions about its regulatory status. This lawsuit has significantly impacted the perception and adoption of XRP, especially in the United States. However, with the incoming pro-crypto Trump administration, this is about to change. 

Trump has nominated pro-crypto advocate Paul Atkins to head the SEC in 2025, a move that could have huge implications for Ripple’s XRP. 

Former CFTC Commissioner Christopher Giancarlo suggests Atkins may dismiss the ongoing case against Ripple, marking a potential turning point for the cryptocurrency. The price potential of XRP could see explosive growth when this legal hurdle is cleared. With pent-up demand poised to unlock in 2025, XRP investors and enthusiasts are eyeing a potential XRP bull run that could redefine the token’s market trajectory.

Brad Garlinghouse, CEO at Ripple, had nothing but positive feedback on the appointment of Atkins, stating on X, “An outstanding choice – Paul Atkins at the helm of the SEC will bring common sense back to the agency. Along with Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda, it’s time to swiftly and definitively end the prohibition era on crypto, restoring freedom of choice, economic growth, and innovation.”

Source: X

A recent 60 Minutes report by journalist Margaret Brennan focused on Ripple’s financial support for the Fairshake political action committee, which has contributed millions to backing pro-crypto candidates. The segment also covered the SEC’s accusations that Ripple’s XRP sales were unregistered securities offerings. However, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse pointed out a critical omission—the July ruling by a federal judge that XRP, when sold on digital asset exchanges, is not classified as a security.

This gap in the report is especially significant given the commentary from former SEC official John Reed Stark, who argued that courts have consistently treated tokens like XRP as securities. Garlinghouse countered Stark’s statements, asserting, “He knows better, despite the comments that 60 Minutes chose to air.”

Watch the full 60 Minutes segment below:

Why XRP Matters to Cryptocurrency Investors

XRP stands out for its ability to bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain technology. Its speed, low costs, and scalability make it a top choice for cross-border payments, while its decentralized nature fuels innovation in the crypto space.

XRP Price is down 2.10% in the last 24 hours. Source: Brave New Coin XRPLX

If you’re exploring cryptocurrencies, XRP is a compelling investment option to watch. With its cutting-edge features and growing ecosystem, it remains a key player in the blockchain revolution. Everyday investors around the world have adopted XRP as their cryptocurrency of choice. The XRP army is formidable and passionate!

XRP community sentiment is strongly bullish according to CoinMarketCap Source: X

XRP Price Prediction: Could $50 Be on the Horizon in 2025?

Globally central banks are developing their own digital currencies known as CBDCs. In the new decentralized finance era, XRP could rally to $50 as Ripple’s XRP Ledger would be the perfect bridge between central bank digital currencies. Its fast speed, low costs, and scalability make XRP the best choice for cross-border payments.

XRP could skyrocket to $50 in 2025, fueled by Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance and his promise to provide regulatory clarity for the cryptocurrency market. This policy shift could be a game-changer for Ripple Labs, paving the way for institutional investors who have largely stayed on the sidelines to jump into the market when an XRP ETF is approved in 2025.

XRP Price Predictions – 2025

Rumors are already swirling that BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with $12 trillion under management, is eyeing XRP for its portfolio. Even a small allocation from such a financial giant could trigger a massive rally. Moreover, at least four firms, including WisdomTree and Bitwise, have filed applications for XRP-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The recent success of Bitcoin ETFs shows how transformative such products can be for digital assets.

If Wall Street money flows into XRP through institutional investments and ETFs, a $50 price target for Ripple’s XRP will be achievable. 

On the yearly chart, it’s clear that XRP has had a productive 2024. Largely due to “The Trump Pump” that gave XRP its groove back, clearing away the baggage of the Gary Gensler-led SEC and its vindictive war on crypto. 

Source: XRPLX on Trading View

Once the 2025 inauguration is underway, Trump’s pro-crypto cabinet, including crypto czar David Sacks, and the new SEC head Paul Atkins can get to work. While there will be volatility along the way, it is increasingly likely that 2025 will see a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve and an XRP ETF approved. That is great news for Ripple, and excellent news for XRP investors ready for positive XRP prices. 

Are you prepared for the XRP rally? Source: X

Chart by Ali Charts included just for fun, when XRP is ready to move, it moves explosively. Source: X