Disclaimer

In this article, the views, and opinions stated by the author, or any people named are for informational purposes only, and they don’t establish the investment, financial, or any other advice. Trading or investing in cryptocurrency assets comes with a risk of financial loss.

The Race for a Spot XRP ETF is On: What Investors Need to Know

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PLANET EARTH | The cryptocurrency world is buzzing with anticipation as the race for a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) gains momentum. With XRP’s price showing strong potential and increasing institutional interest, speculation is running high about whether the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will grant regulatory approval for an XRP ETF.

Growing Optimism for an XRP ETF

A recent report suggests that the odds of an XRP ETF approval have soared to 83%, fueling speculation that the asset could experience a significant price surge. Investors and analysts believe that an ETF could bring unprecedented liquidity and mainstream adoption for XRP, similar to what Bitcoin experienced following its ETF approvals.

Adding to the excitement, Canada’s Purpose Investments has reportedly entered the XRP ETF race, seeking to provide institutional investors with regulated exposure to the digital asset. While Canadian firms are moving forward, U.S.-based asset managers are still awaiting the SEC’s regulatory green light.

SEC’s Stance and Regulatory Hurdles

Despite growing optimism, the SEC remains cautious about crypto-based ETFs, particularly those tied to altcoins like XRP. The ongoing regulatory uncertainty surrounding Ripple’s legal battles with the SEC over whether XRP is a security has been a significant roadblock in the past. However, as the industry sees a broader acceptance of digital assets, market participants hope for a more favorable stance from regulators.

Potential Impact on XRP’s Price

If a spot XRP ETF receives approval, analysts predict a potential price surge of up to $99 due to increased institutional demand and mainstream exposure. Bitcoin saw a similar trajectory when its ETFs were approved, leading to record-breaking inflows and an all-time high in market capitalization.

XRP Price Reacts—Could a 2,900% Rally be Next?

XRP price is making waves again, and traders can’t ignore the eerie similarities to its explosive 2017 breakout.

The token is currently holding strong at $3.02, with speculation around an XRP ETF fueling fresh momentum.

XRP breakout mirrors 2017 rally pattern. Source: Javon Marks

Crypto analyst Javon Marks believes XRP has just broken out of a massive pattern—one that’s more than double the size of its 2017 setup.

Back then, the token skyrocketed 2,900%, hitting an all-time high of $3.84 in just months. Marks suggests that if history repeats itself, XRP could be looking at a run toward $99—a staggering 2,700% gain from current levels.

Meanwhile, technical indicators show key resistance at $3.34, a level XRP must break to challenge its 2018 all-time high of $3.84. Analysts predict that XRP could test the $4 mark by mid-February if momentum continues.

If momentum keeps building, hitting $4 by mid-February isn’t out of the question. With Polymarket odds for an XRP ETF approval at 83%, institutional money could be the final push XRP needs to make history again.

The Future of XRP ETFs

The approval of an XRP ETF would mark a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency industry, further legitimizing digital assets as a mainstream investment vehicle. As Canada takes the lead in the XRP ETF race, pressure is mounting on U.S. regulators to reconsider their stance.

For investors, the key question remains: Will the SEC approve an XRP ETF in 2025? With rising institutional interest and growing market demand, the coming months could be decisive for the future of XRP and its place in the evolving financial landscape.

 

Disclaimer

In this article, the views, and opinions stated by the author, or any people named are for informational purposes only, and they don’t establish the investment, financial, or any other advice. Trading or investing in cryptocurrency assets comes with a risk of financial loss.

Blockchain Meets Banking: Dropp Inc. and Truist Bank Introduce Real-Time Payments via Hedera

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What is Dropp?

Dropp Inc., a Newark, New Jersey-based financial technology company, has announced a collaboration with Truist Financial Corporation to introduce Real-Time Payments (RTP) for its users. This partnership aims to enhance payment processing efficiency by integrating Dropp’s innovative payment platform with Truist’s advanced RTP APIs, enabling instant settlement for Dropp’s clients.

 

Truist Financial Corporation

Truist Financial Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a top-10 U.S. commercial bank with total assets of $531 billion as of December 31, 2024. The bank offers a wide range of services, including consumer and small business banking, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth management, payments, and specialized lending.

 

Collaboration and Innovation

In contrast, Dropp Inc. is a fintech company specializing in providing a pay-by-bank platform that offers an ultra-low fee alternative to traditional card and cash payments. The company has raised approximately $2.31 million in seed funding as of October 7, 2021.

This collaboration between Dropp and Truist is expected to provide merchants with a competitive edge by optimizing cash flow management through instant payments, bridging the gap between traditional banking systems and innovative financial technologies.

Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR) Utilization

Dropp Inc. utilizes the Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR) blockchain to power its micropayments platform. Hedera provides a decentralized, secure, and highly scalable environment, which allows Dropp to offer low-cost, real-time transactions without intermediaries. By leveraging Hedera’s distributed ledger technology (DLT), Dropp enables consumers to make small-value purchases with minimal transaction fees, making it an attractive alternative to traditional payment methods.

The collaboration with Truist Bank, combined with Dropp’s utilization of the Hedera network, aims to further revolutionize the digital payments space by offering a seamless, efficient, and cost-effective payment solution. The integration of Truist’s Real-Time Payments (RTP) system with Dropp’s Hedera-powered platform is expected to enhance financial accessibility and transaction speed for both businesses and consumers.

Hedera Hashgraph is known for its high throughput, low latency, and fair ordering of transactions, which makes it an ideal choice for companies like Dropp that require secure and efficient microtransaction capabilities. As of now, Hedera’s native token, HBAR, facilitates these transactions and ensures network security.

This strategic partnership highlights the growing adoption of blockchain solutions within traditional banking frameworks, signaling a shift towards more decentralized and efficient payment ecosystems.

Disclaimer

In this article, the views, and opinions stated by the author, or any people named are for informational purposes only, and they don’t establish the investment, financial, or any other advice. Trading or investing in cryptocurrency assets comes with a risk of financial loss.

 

XRP’s Potential Role in the U.S. Strategic Digital Asset Reserve

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Ripple’s XRP: A Rising Contender for the U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve

Ripple’s XRP continues to make waves in the cryptocurrency landscape, with recent discussions positioning it as a potential candidate for inclusion in the U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve. Industry experts and insiders suggest that XRP’s unique attributes, such as its speed, scalability, and regulatory compliance, make it an ideal choice for national and global financial infrastructure.

XRP’s Potential Role in the U.S. Strategic Reserve

Recent reports from credible sources, including U.Today and The Crypto Basic, indicate that XRP is under serious consideration for a role in the U.S. government’s strategic crypto reserve. The rationale behind this potential move revolves around XRP’s ability to facilitate rapid cross-border transactions, its low-cost structure, and its environmental sustainability compared to other digital assets like Bitcoin.

According to expert analysis, XRP’s robust infrastructure and regulatory-friendly approach align perfectly with the government’s objectives of maintaining a stable, efficient, and secure digital financial framework. The notion that Ripple’s technology could support governmental and institutional liquidity strategies further fuels the excitement surrounding this development.

Ripple’s Recent Victories and Strategic Advantages

Ripple has achieved significant victories on the legal and regulatory front, reinforcing its credibility and solidifying its market position. The company’s ongoing efforts to expand partnerships with financial institutions worldwide, coupled with its commitment to transparency and compliance, have bolstered confidence in XRP as a reliable digital asset.

Moreover, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently hinted at XRP’s potential inclusion in the U.S. strategic reserve, emphasizing the cryptocurrency’s efficiency and readiness to serve as a bridge currency for both traditional and decentralized financial systems. His statements, reported by The Crypto Basic, suggest that Ripple is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital finance in the United States and beyond.

Why XRP Stands Out Among Cryptocurrencies

Unlike other digital assets, XRP offers unique advantages that make it a compelling choice for national reserves. Its consensus algorithm ensures faster transaction processing times, reducing settlement times to mere seconds, while maintaining low energy consumption compared to proof-of-work systems like Bitcoin. Additionally, Ripple’s partnerships with central banks and financial institutions around the world showcase its real-world applicability and scalability.

In addition to XRP, recent discussions have also highlighted Solana (SOL) as another potential contender for the U.S. strategic crypto reserve. Solana’s high-speed blockchain technology and scalability make it an attractive option for supporting large-scale financial operations and decentralized applications.

Industry insiders argue that XRP’s ability to bridge traditional finance with blockchain technology provides a competitive edge in the evolving landscape of digital assets. The potential designation of XRP as part of the U.S. strategic crypto reserve could signal a major step toward broader adoption and recognition of cryptocurrencies in mainstream financial ecosystems.

Conclusion

As discussions around XRP’s inclusion in the U.S. strategic crypto reserve gain momentum, the potential benefits of this move become increasingly evident. Ripple’s steadfast commitment to innovation, regulatory compliance, and financial inclusion makes XRP a standout candidate for such a significant role. If the U.S. government were to formally recognize XRP in its reserve strategy, it could mark a historic milestone for the cryptocurrency industry and further validate Ripple’s vision of a more efficient and interconnected financial world.

With ongoing developments and growing support, XRP’s journey to becoming a cornerstone of the digital economy is one to watch closely in the coming months.

SEC Withdraws Controversial Crypto Tax Accounting Bulletin

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The SEC published a new staff accounting bulletin rescinding SAB 121, which set certain rules for financial firms wanting to hold crypto.

By Nikhilesh De
Jan 23, 2025, 11:14 p.m. UTC

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission published a new Staff Accounting Bulletin Thursday withdrawing its controversial SAB 121.

SAB 121 directed banks and other public companies that they had to mark any customers’ crypto assets on their own balance sheets. SAB 122 “rescinds the interpretive guidance” and instead directs firms to use Financial Accounting Standards Board rules or International Accounting Standard provisions.

Nikhilesh De

Nikhilesh De is CoinDesk’s managing editor for global policy and regulation, covering regulators, lawmakers and institutions. When he’s not reporting on digital assets and policy, he can be found admiring Amtrak or building LEGO trains. He owns < $50 in BTC and < $20 in ETH. He was named the Association of Cryptocurrency Journalists and Researchers’ Journalist of the Year in 2020.

BREAKING: Trump Day-1 – LEAK Reveals Imminent Bitcoin/Crypto Executive Order

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Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency is poised to bring significant changes to cryptocurrency regulations. Reports suggest he will issue executive orders addressing de-banking practices and repealing the SEC’s SAB121 policy, which classifies crypto holdings as liabilities. This shift could spark a massive Bitcoin rally, with predictions from Michael Saylor suggesting Bitcoin could reach $5 million per coin, resulting in a $100 trillion market cap. Key developments like the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs and fair value accounting have already fueled Bitcoin’s rise.

For full details, refer to the original article here.

Ripple (XRP) Secures NYDFS Approval for RLUSD Stablecoin, Aiming for $2 Trillion Market Cap by 2028

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Ripple Labs’ RLUSD stablecoin has been approved by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), according to CEO Brad Garlinghouse. He announced the regulatory greenlight on Dec. 10 and said exchange and partner listings for the stablecoin would be live soon. Ripple originally planned to launch RLUSD as a competitor to Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC, with the stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. It will be backed by USD deposits, short-term U.S. Treasury bonds, and other cash equivalents.

Ripple began testing RLUSD on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum mainnets in August, following its announcement in April. By October, the company had partnered with several exchanges, including Uphold, Bitstamp, Bitso, MoonPay, Independent Reserve, CoinMENA and Bullish, to facilitate the token’s launch. Liquidity support will come from market makers such as B2C2 and Keyrock.

The approval process faced delays, as Ripple initially expected the NYDFS to finalize its decision by Dec. 4. Despite this, Garlinghouse reiterated Ripple’s commitment to adhering to New York’s stringent crypto regulations, which require a BitLicense or a limited-purpose trust company charter for firms offering services to residents in the state.

Ripple executives project a bold future for RLUSD, estimating the stablecoin could reach a $2 trillion market capitalization by 2028. President Monica Long has described the stablecoin as complementary to Ripple’s existing XRP token, while Garlinghouse highlighted its focus on institutional clients. At a recent conference, Ripple’s CTO David Schwartz expressed optimism that RLUSD could launch before year’s end.

The stablecoin market currently stands at $192.8 billion, with Tether dominating at $141 billion. Competitors like PayPal’s PYUSD and Ethena’s USDe have adopted strategies such as incentive programs to grow their market share. Ethena’s USDe, for example, has gained traction with a market cap of $5.6 billion, driven by a 27% annual percentage yield. The sector remains competitive, and Ripple faces challenges in carving out space for RLUSD.

Ripple’s announcement comes during a busy period for the company. Garlinghouse recently appeared on “60 Minutes” to discuss the role of cryptocurrencies in shaping the 2024 U.S. elections. Meanwhile, Ripple is still in a legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over the classification of XRP token offerings.

As Ripple prepares to launch RLUSD, the stablecoin is poised to enter a competitive market dominated by established players. With regulatory approval secured and strategic partnerships in place, the company is positioning RLUSD as a significant player in the evolving stablecoin ecosystem.