The XRP community is cheering Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse for his bold choices amid regulatory challenges and for getting a nod from the SEC for its stablecoin RLUSD. John E.
Deaton following his interview on 60 Minutes highlighted Garlinghouse’s resilience during Ripple’s ongoing battle with the SEC and its recent stablecoin launch, making a case for him as “Crypto CEO of the Year.”
With Ripple sailing rough waters and still expanding, 2025 could be the company’s most transformative year yet.
A Tough Fight with the SEC
Ripple has been fighting a long legal battle with the SEC, and many, including crypto expert John E. Deaton, believe the company could win. Deaton points to the support of key commissioners like Hester Peirce, Mark Uyeda, and Paul Atkins who think the SEC’s appeal should be dismissed.
If the appeal is dropped by voting, Ripple could finally get the clarity it needs to operate more freely in the U.S. market. This would be a big win for Ripple and could open up new opportunities for growth in the U.S., a crucial market for the company.
Positioning for a Regulatory Breakthrough
Deaton predicts 2025 could be Ripple’s defining year, especially if the SEC’s appeal is dismissed, a move even critics like John Reed Stark support. With a pro-crypto administration and bipartisan regulatory clarity on the horizon, Ripple’s U.S. market expansion appears promising. Deaton highlighted the company’s resilience, achieving 95% of its business outside the U.S. during regulatory hurdles.
In January 2024, Ripple’s bold $285 million share buyback at an $11 billion valuation showcased confidence, despite legal uncertainties. With $1 billion in cash and 40 billion XRP held in escrow, Deaton speculates Ripple’s valuation could exceed $100 billion. A dismissed appeal might pave the way for Ripple’s IPO by late 2025 or early 2026.
Moreover, with Trump’s win, many predict that the Ripple vs SEC case will be dismissed by the new SEC commissioner. RLUSD’s launch before the finale of the Ripple vs SEC lawsuit in January hints that Ripple is very sure that the case will not drag further.
However, the news has not given a positive boost to XRP as predicted and it dropped by 12% to $2.07. While the entire crypto market is down in the holiday season it will be interesting to see how and when XRP touches its coveted target of $3.
XRP could be a good investment given Ripple’s strong leadership, solid financials, and potential regulatory clarity in 2025, which may boost growth. However, ongoing SEC challenges and market volatility present risks to consider.
XRP can reach a high of $3 or more if Ripple secures a favorable outcome in its legal battle with the SEC and gains regulatory clarity in the U.S. This, combined with Ripple’s strong financial position and potential IPO, could drive its growth.
