Crypto researcher Rob Cunningham recently outlined bold projections for XRP, suggesting that recent developments could propel the token’s price well into double digits.
Cunningham believes XRP could reach $5 to $15 in the short term and climb to $20 to $30 or higher over the long term. Supporting these claims are real-world utility, institutional demand, and regulatory progress.
Notably, the chief factor influencing his forecast is the potential supply pressure that Hidden Road’s use of the XRP Ledger could exert on the token’s availability.
Hidden Road Could Lock Up Billions in XRP Liquidity
In April, Ripple acquired the global multi-asset prime brokerage Hidden Road for $1.25 billion. The firm handles $10 billion in daily trading volume, which, according to XRP community commentators, could significantly boost demand for the coin.
Cunningham suggests that if just 30% of Hidden Road’s daily transactions were settled on the XRP Ledger, about $3 billion per day or $1.5 trillion annually, substantial XRP liquidity would be required.
He estimates this could lock up around 2.7 billion XRP, or 5% of the circulating supply, thereby reducing available tokens and creating upward price pressure. According to his forecast, this dynamic alone may push XRP’s price to $5–$15 in the near term. In the long run, he sees $20–$30 or more as a realistic target.
ETFs and CME Futures Set to Attract Global Institutional Demand
Cunningham further strengthened his forecast by highlighting the expanding institutional access to XRP. He pointed to 11 XRP ETF applications currently filed with the U.S. SEC, as well as the upcoming launch of CME Group’s XRP futures on May 19, 2025.
Already, products like the Teucrium 2x Long Daily XRP ETF reached $35 million in AUM just days after launch. This is evidence of strong early demand, according to Cunningham. With CME futures offering regulated access, hedge funds, asset managers, and banks can gain exposure to XRP in a compliant environment.
For now, the key milestone to watch is the SEC’s decision on Grayscale’s spot XRP ETF due by May 22.
ISO 20022 Standard “Positions” XRP for Cross-Border Payments Boom
Cunningham also touched on XRP’s speculative compliance with the ISO 20022 standard, which he claims gives it a strategic edge in global finance. Notably, Ripple itself is compliant with ISO 20022, though XRP proponents often link the standard to the token.
Analysts highlighted that this messaging standard will power 80% of high-value global transactions by 2025. Cunningham argued that XRP’s interoperability with ISO 20022 could make it a preferred solution for real-time cross-border settlement.
He cited over $434 billion processed daily through ISO 20022-compliant systems, asserting that XRP is in a position to benefit from this, particularly in international remittances.
FedNow and Real-Time Payments “Could Support XRP’s Broader Utility”
While XRP isn’t directly integrated into FedNow, the broader U.S. trend toward real-time payments supports the value proposition of fast, low-cost settlement systems. In this space, XRP has long positioned itself as a leader.
Cunningham suggests that this shift in infrastructure could ultimately benefit assets like XRP, especially if they are embraced by financial institutions seeking to modernize their payment processes.
$30–$75 Still in Play
By tying together real utility, upcoming financial products, and growing adoption momentum, Cunningham believes XRP is ready for explosive price movement.
“If XRP isn’t between $30 and $75 by the end of 2025, I’d be in utter disbelief,” he said.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
