A notable Web3 researcher believes XRP is set for a massive breakout before the year ends, with upside potential approaching 10X.
XRP is currently trading at $2.82 after dipping 6% over the past day, falling below the $3 level. However, this latest dip has not dampened investor optimism around the asset.
Phantom DeFi, a well-known DeFi and alpha researcher, outlined key factors that could propel XRP toward $25 by December 2025, describing it as the asset’s “final move.”
Ripple’s Legal Clarity “Opens the Floodgates”
After five years of legal battles, Ripple has successfully settled with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This gives XRP what Phantom DeFi calls the “strongest legal clarity in U.S. history.”
The legal victory removes the biggest regulatory obstacle and is now attracting banks, funds, and corporations that had previously hesitated to use the token.
ETF Frenzy to Ignite Wall Street Demand
Meanwhile, about seven spot XRP ETF applications are currently under review. Interestingly, prediction market data shows a 95% chance of approval by mid-October.
Phantom DeFi believes that these ETFs could unlock trillions in institutional liquidity, creating the kind of Wall Street ignition moment that could dramatically increase demand for XRP.
RLUSD Stablecoin Expands Global Reach
Also, Ripple’s U.S. dollar–backed stablecoin, RLUSD, is already live in the United States. The company has announced plans for RLUSD to enter Japan in Q1 2026 through its partner, SBI.
Fully backed by U.S. Treasuries and bank deposits, and audited monthly, RLUSD strengthens the XRP Ledger as a settlement layer for institutions worldwide.
Ripple on the Verge of Becoming a Bank
Ripple is also close to securing a New York banking charter and is awaiting approval for a Federal Reserve master account.
Approval would effectively position Ripple as a bank directly connected to the Fed’s settlement system, which is an unprecedented step for a blockchain company. Given the implications, Ripple is facing resistance from the traditional banking sector over the approval.
Traditional Finance Quietly Integrating XRPL
Meanwhile, major financial institutions are already integrating Ripple’s technology. Specifically, Franklin Templeton is exploring tokenized funds on the XRPL; DBS is working on RLUSD expansion in Asia; and BBVA is developing custody services on Ripple infrastructure.
According to Phantom DeFi, these moves signal a quiet onboarding of trillion-dollar institutions.
The analyst also noted that the macroeconomic environment is aligning in XRP’s favor. With U.S. debt exceeding $35 trillion and growing concerns about the long-term trustworthiness of the dollar, global institutions like the BIS and IMF are increasingly advocating for blockchain-based settlement systems.
5/ Legacy Finance Plugging In
Franklin Templeton → XRPL tokenized funds.
DBS → Ripple + RLUSD rollout in Asia.
BBVA → custody built on Ripple rails.
This is how trillion-dollar players are onboarding. Quietly, but irreversibly.
— Phantom_Defi (@0xPhantomDefi) September 21, 2025
Path to $25 by December
Phantom DeFi believes that September 2025 is the calm before the storm. He forecasts that XRP could break $25 by December, potentially “rewriting financial history.”
For investors, he describes this as a once-in-a-century asymmetric opportunity if the catalysts align as expected.
Other XRP commentators suggest the token could create more millionaires by the end of the year due to the powerful catalysts lined up.
However, some conservative voices believe XRP may only reach $5 by the end of 2025.
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.
