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SEC Ends Two-Year Probe Into Ondo Finance, Clearing Path for U.S. Expansion in Tokenized Assets

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
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SEC Ends Two-Year Probe Into Ondo Finance, Clearing Path for U.S. Expansion in Tokenized Assets

The U.S. SEC has officially closed its two-year investigation into Ondo Finance without recommending charges.

This move marks one of the latest reversals of a Biden-era action against a digital asset firm. Notably, the probe went live in October 2023 under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler. It focused on whether Ondo violated securities laws while tokenizing U.S. Treasuries and whether its ONDO token should be treated as a security.

Meanwhile, the company said regulators notified Ondo in late November that they had closed the case. The decision fits into the regulatory shift under pro-crypto SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, who has wound down most crypto investigations and reversed several high-profile cases involving firms such as Ripple, Coinbase, and Kraken.

Tokenization Takes Center Stage at the SEC

Notably, the end of the Ondo probe arrives as tokenization becomes a front-and-center topic for U.S. financial regulators. At last week’s SEC Investor Advisory Committee meeting, the agency highlighted how blockchain-based infrastructure could streamline the issuance, trading, and settlement of public equities.

“The tokenization of financial assets, including securities, has the potential to transform our capital markets,” Chairman Atkins said during the session. The SEC’s renewed interest further confirms a change from enforcement to innovation.

Ondo Prepares for U.S. Expansion

With the regulatory cloud lifted, Ondo says it is now cleared to accelerate its U.S. growth strategy. The firm recently registered as an investment advisor and acquired Oasis Pro Markets, a broker-dealer and ATS operator registered with the SEC. This positions Ondo to expand its tokenized asset offerings with a fully compliant U.S. structure.

The company is also gearing up for its annual Ondo Summit, scheduled for February 3 in New York. Expectations are high that Ondo will unveil new tools and products to advance real-world asset tokenization.

Avalanche’s Institutional Momentum

The broader tokenization narrative continues to build across the industry. Major financial institutions, including BlackRock, JP Morgan, Citi, and Dinari, have been deploying tokenized assets on Avalanche.

As the SEC repositions and firms like Ondo gain regulatory clearance, the next phase of U.S. tokenization appears ready to accelerate.

Analyst Identifies Two Critical Resistance Levels XRP Must Now Break Before Hitting Wave 3 Top

Mark Brennan
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Analyst Identifies Two Critical Resistance Levels XRP Must Now Break Before Hitting Wave 3 Top

A prominent market analyst has identified two important resistance levels XRP would have to breach above before it can reach its Wave 3 high.

Since October, XRP has struggled to hold $2 support, amid intense bearish pressure across the crypto market. These selloffs have persisted on the back of the Bank of Japan’s recent monetary policies as well as other global macroeconomic events.

Currently trading for $2.06, XRP has collapsed 30% since October, with a 4.04% drop this month putting it on track to record its third consecutive monthly loss. If this happens, it would mark the first time XRP witnesses three consecutive monthly losses since the FTX collapse in late 2022.

Two Critical Levels XRP Must Breach

However, despite the current bearishness, most analysts have commended XRP’s ability to hold above $2, touting an imminent recovery effort. For instance, Tara, a well-known market commentator, recently assessed XRP’s current position and identified two important resistance levels it must breach before a full-blown rebound to its Wave 3 top.

According to Tara, her target for this Wave 3 top is the $2.73 price level, representing a 32% increase from the current price and aligning with the 1.618 Fibonacci extension. Notably, the last time XRP saw the $2.73 mark was early October, before the massive Oct. 10 crash that set the stage for the ongoing market downtrend.

XRP 4h Chart Tara
XRP 4h Chart | Tara

However, for XRP to recover toward the $2.73 high at the Wave 3 top, it must first break its initial local resistance at $2.18, which aligns with the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement. 

Beyond this, XRP needs to breach the second resistance mark at $2.30, represented by a stubborn horizontal line. Tara believes XRP has a chance to rebound toward $2.73 once it successfully progresses past these two resistance points.

Next Upward Targets

The market analyst confirmed that she has already mapped out targets for Wave 4 and Wave 5. However, she would likely adjust these targets slightly once XRP reaches the Wave 3 top, which may not land exactly at the $2.73 mark. “This is what I’m expecting to play out for the rest of 2025,” she concluded.

Meanwhile, data from Tara’s chart confirms further upside potential for XRP, but identifies another stubborn local resistance area at $2.8, similar in intensity to the $2.3 resistance. If XRP continues its rebound momentum and eventually breaches the $2.8 mark, it could have a chance at reaching the $3 price for the first time since Oct. 7.

On the flip side, Tara identified an important support at the $2.07, which XRP must maintain to remain on track. Today, XRP has dropped slightly to $2.06. However, another analyst, “Guy on the Earth,” highlighted the $2 mark as the important area to watch, as a push below it could spell trouble. He also suggested that a rise above $2.2 could set the stage for an upward push.

XRP 1D Chart Guy on the Earth
XRP 1D Chart | Guy on the Earth

Cardano Founder Welcomes as Midnight Set to Launch on Binance Alpha

Elendu Benedict
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Cardano Founder Welcomes as Midnight Set to Launch on Binance Alpha

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has shared a cryptic message in his welcome post as Binance Wallet announces Midnight (NIGHT).

Hoskinson could not hold back, sharing what came out as a cryptic clip in addition to a congratulatory message. The post welcomed Binance to the Midnight ecosystem, as the leading trading platform joins the growing list of exchanges supporting the NIGHT token.

“Big Things Have Small Beginnings”

Notably, Hoskinson attached a GIF presenting a clip from Prometheus in which actor Michael Fassbender starred as “David.” In the scene, he used a popular quote, “Big things have small beginnings.” 

Hoskinson used the clip, likely to illustrate how Midnight is slowly gaining industry recognition. Given the liquidity on Binance, crypto enthusiasts view a potential listing on the exchange as the pinnacle of exposure an asset can achieve. 

The potential listing of NIGHT, the native token of privacy-focused Midnight, on its market debut, would be the first for any Cardano-native token and represents traction.

Midnight on Binance Alpha

Notably, Hokinson’s post was a reaction to an announcement by Binance Wallet concerning Midnight. The account tweeted that Binance Alpha will be the first platform to feature the NIGHT tokens on December 9.

For the uninitiated, the Binance Alpha is a platform within Binance Wallet that gives users access to cryptocurrencies before they are listed on the exchange. It serves as a pre-listing pool, offering customers an avenue to trade promising tokens before possible listing. 

It is worth noting that a listing on Binance Alpha does not necessarily imply a spot or futures listing on Binance. Several tokens have launched on the Alpha platform, but Binance ultimately did not add support for them on the main exchange.

Notably, Binance Wallet will airdrop NIGHT tokens to eligible Binance Alpha traders based on accrued points earned from using the platform.

Other Prominent Exchanges to List NIGHT

Interestingly, other platforms have announced that they would be adding support for NIGHT on the same day. Exchanges like Bybit, OKX, HTX, and Gate.io will list the token on December 9th by 10:00 (UTC).

Meanwhile, the Glacier Drop distribution event would take place the next day, with eligible claimants receiving 25% of their allocated tokens. The Midnight team would distribute the other 75% over three phases over the next 12 months.

Notably, Hoskinson has been very vocal about the giant strides Midnight has made, once noting that its success means he is not a liability to Cardano’s growth. In October, he called the privacy-focused chain the most transformational project in Cardano’s history.

IG’s Chief Analyst Expects Bitcoin to Recover Upon This Week’s Fed Rate Cut

Sam Wisdom Raphael
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IG’s Chief Analyst Expects Bitcoin to Recover Upon This Week’s Fed Rate Cut

Bitcoin and the broader crypto market continue to face a difficult stretch, yet IG’s Chief Market Analyst Chris Beauchamp says a turnaround may already be forming. 

After months of selling pressure and fading confidence, Beauchamp expects a rebound to play out this week as traders position ahead of an almost certain Federal Reserve rate cut.

IG’s Beauchamp Expects Bitcoin to Recover Upon Rate Cut

Notably, Bitcoin’s troubles started soon after it surged to a new all-time high of $126,272 in October. The rally quickly stalled, and BTC slipped into steady declines, finishing October with a 3.95% loss, and now changing hands around $90,211.

This weakness deepened in November when Bitcoin dropped another 17.5%, its worst monthly performance since February 2025, dragging the entire crypto market lower. Specifically, the global crypto market value fell from its October peak of $4.27 trillion to $3.08 trillion at press time, wiping out $1.19 trillion in just two months.

However, despite the steep losses, Beauchamp believes stabilization could be imminent. He recently pointed directly to the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee meeting on Dec. 9-10, which marks the Fed’s final policy decision of 2025. 

December Rate Cut Almost Certain

Interestingly, markets widely expect the Fed to cut rates again. The central bank already delivered 25-basis-point cuts in both September and October, bringing the target range down to 3.75%-4.00%. Another quarter-point cut this week would push the range to 3.50%-3.75%.

Market odds overwhelmingly support this move. For context, the CME FedWatch Tool shows an 89.5% chance of a December cut, up sharply from 30% in November. Futures markets also price in an 86% probability of the same outcome. 

CME FedWatch Tool
CME FedWatch Tool

Moreover, economists share a similar view. Out of 108 economists in a recent Reuters poll, 89 expect the Fed to cut again as it responds to a cooling labor market. Major firms offer matching forecasts. 

Looking further, T. Rowe Price believes rates could fall to 3% or lower next year as labor conditions soften further. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley reversed its previous call for no December cut and now expects a 25-basis-point move, noting that it acted too quickly in its earlier stance. 

As for JPMorgan, the bank predicts cuts in both December and January, while Bank of America expects a December reduction followed by two more in 2026. Berenberg thinks the recent uptick in unemployment likely pushed Fed officials toward easing.

Lower Rates Attract Liquidity

Considering these odds, Beauchamp argues that lower rates usually unlock new interest in risk assets, especially after major pullbacks create more attractive buy levels. 

He pointed out that Bitcoin and Ethereum both attracted buyers during their recent weekend dips, which suggests that the market may already be forming a short-term bottom. To him, a December cut could easily restore momentum after the sharp reversal that followed Bitcoin’s record-setting surge in October.

Still, the Fed heads into the meeting with plenty of internal tension. Minutes from the October gathering revealed a deep split among policymakers. Notably, several members pushed back against further cuts, and up to five voting officials still oppose additional easing. 

Fed Chair Jerome Powell continues to walk a tightrope between those internal concerns and the economic challenges outside. He recently explained that limited data from the temporary government shutdown made October a difficult period for decision-making, comparing the situation to driving through fog. 

Currently, inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% goal and has stayed there since March 2021. Economists expect the Personal Consumption Expenditures index to remain above target through 2027. 

Binance Suspends Employee for Promoting Personal Token, Offers $100K Whistleblower Reward

Lele Jima
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Binance Suspends Employee for Promoting Personal Token, Offers $100K Whistleblower Reward

Leading crypto exchange Binance has suspended an employee accused of using insider information to post on its official X handle for personal gain.

The exchange’s internal audit team received a report on December 7 alleging that an employee linked to a certain token used the official Binance handle to post a promotional tweet with its image and text.

The post highlighted a newly issued token that launched on-chain at 05:29 UTC and appeared on the @BinanceFutures account less than a minute later. Aside from the timing of the post, Binance did not disclose the token’s name or the identity of the employee accused of misconduct.

Meanwhile, users noted that the incident concerned a now-deleted post from the Binance Futures X account the previous day. The post featured an image of a tree with several tokens hanging from it, which many believe referenced a newly created BNB Chain token called “Year of Yellow Fruit.”

Swift Response

Binance immediately opened an investigation after receiving the report. The exchange stated that the employee’s actions constituted an abuse of position for personal benefit and violated its professional conduct policies.

Following these findings, Binance suspended the individual, who now awaits further disciplinary action. The exchange also contacted the relevant authorities and pledged full cooperation to ensure that the case proceeds in accordance with the laws of the employee’s jurisdiction.

Binance to Distribute $100,000 to 5 Whistleblowers

Reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct, Binance emphasized that protecting user trust remains a top priority. As part of its commitment to transparency and community oversight, the exchange announced a $100,000 reward for five whistleblowers.

After verifying submissions and removing duplicates, Binance identified the earliest valid reports sent through its official channel (audit@binance.com). Each whistleblower will receive an equal share of the bounty, or $20,000, and Binance will contact recipients directly via email. The listed pseudonymised addresses include bc@g.com, l4@g.com, d7@g.com, z3@g.com, and x1@g.com.

Meanwhile, Binance also acknowledged members of the crypto community who reported the incident on social media. However, it noted that its bounty program only applies to reports submitted through its official whistleblowing email.

Not New

As part of its commitment to ethical trading standards, Binance has consistently taken action to prevent malicious activity and discipline employees who misuse insider information.

In March, the exchange suspended a Binance Wallet employee for exploiting privileged information for personal gain. According to the announcement, the employee had purchased a large number of tokens ahead of the Token Generation Event (TGE) and later sold them for a profit following the official public announcement.

UAE’s Ruya Bank Becomes First Shari’ah-Compliant Bank to Offer In-App Bitcoin Trading

Zabi
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UAE’s Ruya Bank Becomes First Shari’ah-Compliant Bank to Offer In-App Bitcoin Trading

UAE Islamic bank Ruya has introduced in-app Bitcoin trading, allowing customers to buy and sell the cryptocurrency directly within its mobile platform. 

This makes it the first Shari’ah-compliant institution globally to offer such a service. The feature is powered by Fuze, a regulated digital asset infrastructure provider based in the UAE.

The launch marks a significant step for Islamic digital banking in the region. Ruya states that the service augments its ethical investment offerings and facilitates customers’ secure and compliant participation in the digital asset market.

The partnership with Fuze allows Ruya to integrate regulated virtual asset technology into its platform. Both firms describe the system as secure, accessible, and aligned with the growing demand for responsible digital investment tools in the UAE.

Growing Momentum in the UAE Crypto Market

The introduction of the service comes during a period of strong growth in the country’s virtual asset activity. According to Chainalysis’ 2024 Geography of Crypto report, cryptocurrency inflows into the UAE surpassed $30 billion between July 2023 and June 2024. This represents a 42% increase compared to the previous year.

Additionally, the report shows sharp gains in decentralized finance. Chainalysis notes a 74% increase in the value received via decentralized finance (DeFi). Over the same period, DEX activity also saw an 87% growth, climbing from approximately $6 billion to $11.3 billion.

Analysts credit this expansion to clearer regulatory guidance from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and the Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA).

Wider Adoption of Crypto Products in the UAE

The announcement follows a series of digital asset initiatives from other financial institutions. Earlier this month, Mashreq Capital, based in the Dubai International Financial Centre, launched BITMAC. Through this new mutual fund, investors gain exposure to equities, fixed income, gold, and Bitcoin through ETFs.

The firm describes the fund as a diversified portfolio that undergoes systematic rebalancing for retail investors.

Similarly, banks, including RAK Bank and Liv Bank, have introduced crypto trading services in collaboration with external exchanges in response to growing customer demand.

Here are Ethereum Price Scenarios as ETH Sees $512.38M Net Inflow

Mark Brennan
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Here are Ethereum Price Scenarios as ETH Sees $512.38M Net Inflow

Ethereum sees over $500M net futures flows, recording bullish momentum as price tests key resistance levels.

Ethereum (ETH) is currently trading at $3,158, reflecting a 4.2% increase over the past 24 hours. The daily price range for Ethereum has remained between $2,941.77 and $3,171.62, showing a significant upward movement within a narrow price band.

Over the last week, Ethereum has gained 11.3%, and its 14-day performance indicates an 11.5% rise. ETH currently boasts a market cap of $381.18 billion and a circulating supply of 120.7 million ETH.

As Ethereum continues its upward trajectory, the focus is on its price action around the $3,150 mark. The recent price surge is showing signs of bullish continuation, as Ethereum tests higher resistance levels. Will ETH break through these key resistance points and push toward new highs?

Ethereum Price Analysis

The 1-day chart for Ethereum reveals a mixed technical outlook, as the price is currently testing key resistance around $3,200. The Ichimoku Cloud shows the price moving within a cloud range, with $3,093 acting as the immediate support, and $3,437.71 marking a higher resistance.

Ethereum 1-Day Price Chart
Ethereum 1-Day Price Chart

Ethereum is currently sitting at the lower edge of the cloud, and if it holds above $3,159.03, it may push toward the $3,437.71 resistance. However, any drop below $3,037.19 could trigger a move toward the cloud’s lower boundary, which suggests $3,037 as the next significant support level.

Additionally, the conversion line sits at $2,980, while the baseline is at $3,093. If the conversion line crosses above the baseline, it would be typically seen as a bullish signal.

Meanwhile, the MACD shows a bullish signal, with the histogram turning positive and the MACD line crossing above the signal line, indicating growing upward momentum. However, the RSI is at 47.33, which remains in the neutral zone, signaling that Ethereum is neither overbought nor oversold.

This neutral RSI reading suggests that while the price is experiencing upward movement, there is still room for further price action before encountering significant resistance. 

Ethereum Futures Flows

Elsewhere, Ethereum’s 12-hour liquidity data shows a substantial net inflow of $512.38M, driven by $6.76B in inflows and $6.24B in outflows, resulting in a +275.88% change. This surge in inflows indicates that there was strong buying pressure over the 12 hours. 

Ethereum Liquidity Chart
Ethereum Liquidity Chart

Looking at the 24-hour data, Ethereum experienced $20.42B in inflows and $20.20B in outflows, resulting in a net inflow of $221.05M, which is a +1217.65% change. While the total amount of inflows and outflows is large, the net inflow shows that Ethereum still has more buyers than sellers.

The 3-day data reveals a net inflow of $205.25M, with $29.16B in inflows and $28.96B in outflows. However, this data shows a -41.00% change, reflecting a decrease in the rate of net inflows compared to the shorter time periods.

Prominent YouTuber Says “I’m a Big Holder of Cardano”—Reveals First Major Sell Target

Elendu Benedict
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Prominent YouTuber Says “I’m a Big Holder of Cardano”—Reveals First Major Sell Target

Jayson Casper, a widely followed YouTuber and crypto educator, has emphasized his belief in Cardano and its price trajectory.

He shared in his recent analysis that he is a “big holder” of Cardano, becoming the most recent YouTuber to confirm exposure to the 10th-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. Furthermore, he disclosed that he is in ADA for the long term, insisting he would not sell ADA until a criterion is met.

First Major Sell Target

Specifically, Casper noted he would consider liquidating his Cardano stash around $5, calling it his first major sell target. This reemphasizes his bullish stance on the coin, as he expects it to one day break above its current all-time high and reach the unprecedented price target.

Interestingly, he stated he would not sell ADA until it reached $5, even if it meant holding for 25 years. However, he does not believe the coin would take that long to reach the target.

“Honestly, look at the money flow on Cardano as well,” he said.

Notably, the money flow index (MFI) is a technical indicator that combines price and volume to assess buying or selling pressure. Casper noted that this metric is rising on the weekly and 4-day Cardano charts, suggesting real strength despite recent downtrends.

Remarkably, this outlook aligns with a projection from analyst Mr. Banana. He urged holders not to sell ADA below the $5 mark, stating it was the point where they would start realizing the coin’s full bullish potential.

Cardano Looking Nice

Meanwhile, in his latest analysis, Jayson Casper noted that the ADA/USDT chart looks very good as bullish signals flash on the 4D chart. He identified a hidden bullish divergence, with money flow getting thicker again at the current support area.

Additionally, Cardano also holds a key ascending trendline support. The asset has held this critical trendline since September 2023, with other attempts to break down also proving futile. Last week, ADA revisited the trendline, dropping to $0.37, but bounced from that area again.

Cardano Analysis/Jayson Casper
Cardano Analysis/Jayson Casper

Casper sees these signs propelling Cardano to much higher prices if Bitcoin holds support. According to him, altcoins like ADA would see “serious pumps” if the crypto leader holds its own, projecting that this would happen within the next few weeks or in a month and a half.

However, he stated that this is not guaranteed, as the market could move sideways.

Pundit Revives Claims of Amazon Reportedly Bought 5B XRP After Recent Moves

Mark Brennan
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Pundit Revives Claims of Amazon Reportedly Bought 5B XRP After Recent Moves

Amid Ripple’s growing presence in the derivatives market, XRP community figures have revived claims that Amazon supposedly bought 5 billion XRP a decade ago. 

This discussion re-emerged after analysts called attention to Bitnomial’s move to launch Botanical, its CFTC-regulated perpetual futures trading platform, in October 2024. 

Ripple’s Relationship with Bitnomial

For context, Ripple backed this launch by leading a $25 million funding round. At the time, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse applauded Bitnomial’s plan to bring offshore-style trading structures into the U.S. derivatives market while building a regulated environment for assets such as XRP. 

He also highlighted Bitnomial’s plan to use Ripple’s RLUSD for settlement and said this approach raised the standard for the entire industry.

Although these developments happened in October 2024, XRP commentator Cowboy recently brought them back into the spotlight. Interestingly, this prompted another commentary from Digital Asset Investor (DAI), another well-known figure in the community.

Ripple’s Interest in the Derivatives Market

Responding to Cowboy, DAI said that the Bitnomial-Ripple announcement aligned with predictions from Kendra Hill, a controversial XRP community member. He then questioned whether her previous claim about Amazon holding billions of XRP might also have merit.

Notably, DAI’s reaction suggested that he saw the Ripple–Bitnomial relationship as possible support for Hill’s earlier claims about Ripple’s interest in the derivatives market. 

For the uninitiated, Hill became a controversial figure in the XRP community seven years ago after she started a Steemit blog in July 2017. She repeatedly claimed insider knowledge and predicted several bullish outcomes for XRP, including its future role in the global financial system.

Years before the Bitnomial announcement, Hill argued that Ripple used cross-border payments as a testing phase. 

According to her, Ripple aimed to manage every transaction in the derivatives market and insisted that the company kept this vision quiet because it had not yet completed a key part of the system, which she called Codius. 

Once Ripple supported Bitnomial in 2024, some XRP holders, including DAI, believed Hill may have been right about Ripple’s interest in derivatives. 

Claims of Amazon Holding 5B XRP

This belief led DAI to revisit one of Hill’s most controversial claims: her statement that Amazon allegedly secured a massive XRP position. Back then, Hill said Amazon and Ripple negotiated a deal in 2015 that gave Amazon control over 5 billion XRP, representing over 5% of XRP’s total supply. She also said that this XRP remained locked until both parties decided to announce the partnership.

Kendra Hill on Steemit
Kendra Hill on Steemit

Hill also explained why she believed Ripple and Amazon never talked about this supposed deal. She argued that XRP’s price never reacted to partnership announcements because XRP did not yet serve any real purpose. 

She said the price would surge once new use cases arrived. According to her earlier statements, major partners preferred to keep quiet so institutional investors could accumulate XRP while the price stayed low. 

Meanwhile, to support Hill’s claims, DAI also pointed to a comment Ripple CTO David Schwartz made in October 2025. Schwartz explained that Ripple could sell rights to receive future escrowed XRP or even sell the accounts those escrows eventually unlock into, although the XRP itself could not enter the market until its planned release date.

Despite all these discussions, no statement from Ripple, Amazon, or any of their executives confirms that the alleged partnership ever existed. Notably, Hill also predicted that the announcement would arrive in March 2019, but nothing happened. She also claimed in 2018 that XRP would reach $50 in 24 hours, which also never occurred.

‘Hard to Sell Something Without Utility,’ XRP Army Reacts to Bitcoin Investor Skepticism

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
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0
‘Hard to Sell Something Without Utility,’ XRP Army Reacts to Bitcoin Investor Skepticism

XRP proponents are making merry after Bitcoin author Natalie Brunell shared an eye-opening summary of her weekend interactions with investors.

Her account describes a long list of doubts that still surround the world’s largest cryptocurrency. Many expressed the view that they had “missed it” by not buying BTC at lower prices, such as around $800.

In contrast, others raised concerns about Bitcoin’s dependence on electricity, the recoverability of lost keys, or longstanding myths about Bitcoin’s origins.

“Cannot Do 100X”

Moreover, some were unimpressed by the idea that Bitcoin could reach $1 million. They dismiss it as “only a 10X” and lament that they prefer assets capable of 100X returns.

Others said they preferred traditional assets like real estate because of tax advantages such as 1031 exchanges. 

A few noted they were discouraged from investing because their brokers advised against it. But one remark stood out in Brunell’s thread: some investors said, simply, “I like that XRP.”

Brunell concluded her reflection with a familiar phrase in crypto circles: “We are so early”. It suggests there is still a significant educational gap within the investing public.

XRP Army: ‘Hard to Sell Something Without Utility’

Meanwhile, Zach Rector, a familiar voice in the XRP community, responded to Brunell’s post with a tongue-in-cheek remark: “Hard to sell something without utility.”

His comment suggests that skepticism toward Bitcoin stems from its perceived lack of utility. He echoed a long-running narrative within the XRP community that practical use cases in payments, liquidity solutions, and financial infrastructure will drive digital-asset adoption.

For many in the XRP Army, the investor reactions highlighted by Brunell illustrate why XRP continues to attract attention, even in rooms dominated by Bitcoin conversations. It offers a price advantage over Bitcoin. 

Meanwhile, industry leaders like Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong have stated that it doesn’t matter what price one entered Bitcoin at and that owning a full BTC is not a requirement for participation.

Broader Reactions

Other voices also weighed in on Brunell’s post. Noble Investing noted that skepticism about an asset’s future returns is nothing new. He said similar doubts surrounded real estate for years. Yet it still became one of the most powerful wealth-building tools for generations.

Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas commented on the claim that Bitcoin reaching $1 million would be only a 10X. He suggested the person making that claim is “living in a fantasy world.”

Brunell replied that wealthy investors often seek to preserve wealth and avoid high volatility. Meanwhile, those seeking wealth are hunting for the kind of 1,000X opportunity early Bitcoin investors enjoyed — hence the skepticism.

Crypto Perception

Ultimately, Brunell’s thread and the reactions to it highlight that many investors still judge Bitcoin using outdated ideas. Meanwhile, within the XRP community, many believe the next phase of crypto growth will be by real-world utility, not just store-of-value narratives.

Still, the discussion confirms that Bitcoin remains the leading crypto asset, and investor opinions across the market continue to evolve.

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