- Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is optimistic about XRP’s future, predicting continued growth following its recent surge after regulatory challenges eased.
- He emphasized the importance of focusing on the long-term vision for Ripple’s mission to build an “internet of value,” while also expressing confidence in the broader cryptocurrency market’s upward trajectory.
In a recent appearance on the Citizens JMP podcast, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse shared his optimistic outlook for XRP, predicting continued growth for the cryptocurrency that has faced years of regulatory challenges and market suppression. His words have reignited discussions about XRP’s future, sparking hope among investors and fans of the digital asset.
XRP Can’t Stay Underwater Forever
Garlinghouse likened XRP’s journey to a basketball held underwater. “If you hold a basketball underwater long enough, eventually it shoots up,” he said, drawing a parallel to XRP’s price movement. For years, XRP traded between $0.40 and $0.50, stubbornly staying stagnant even during broader market bull runs. Many speculated that external factors, particularly Ripple’s ongoing regulatory battles with the SEC, were keeping the price suppressed.
However, a major shift occurred in November 2024. When SEC Chairman Gary Gensler announced his resignation, XRP experienced a remarkable surge. The price of XRP rocketed to a seven-year high of $2.90 before stabilizing around $2.40. Garlinghouse attributed this sudden rise to the cryptocurrency finally shedding the weight of regulatory challenges, allowing it to reach its true potential.
A Long-Term Perspective on XRP’s Growth
Despite the recent surge, Garlinghouse reminded listeners of XRP’s previous position as the second-most valuable cryptocurrency, a status it once held behind Bitcoin. He emphasized that XRP’s earlier struggles were due to “factors that were exogenous—perhaps unnatural or unethical in some ways.” Now that these barriers are lifting, Garlinghouse is confident that XRP’s rise will continue, especially if given a level playing field.
He urged the Ripple team and investors alike to focus on the long-term vision rather than short-term fluctuations. According to Garlinghouse, Ripple’s core mission is to build the infrastructure for an “internet of value,” with XRP playing a pivotal role in this future. The cryptocurrency’s long-term potential remains central to Ripple’s strategy, as the company continues to focus on creating lasting impact in the blockchain space.
A Bright Outlook for the Crypto Market
Garlinghouse also shared his positive outlook for the broader cryptocurrency market. Earlier, he had predicted the market could reach a $5 trillion valuation by the end of 2024, a figure he still believes is within reach. The market, currently at $3.5 trillion, shows significant signs of growth, particularly with rising institutional demand and increasing blockchain adoption in the U.S.
With his belief in the inflation-resistant nature of cryptocurrencies, Garlinghouse’s optimism signals a bright future for both XRP and the broader digital asset ecosystem. As the crypto market continues its upward trajectory, XRP’s position in the market is likely to grow even stronger.