Home Blog Page 637

Expert Predicts XRP Price for the End of July, Says “XRP Season Has Started”

0

A prominent market expert insists that the “XRP season” has begun, predicting what the XRP price could rally to by the end of July 2025.

This commentary, which came from market pundit and XRP community figure Alex Cobb, emerged at a time when XRP appears to be breaking out alongside the rest of the crypto market. 

“XRP Season Has Started”

Specifically, XRP has broken above the long-standing $2 range for the first time this month and conquered the $2.3 price level for the first time in nearly three months. Notably, XRP recently surged past the $2.3 psychological mark to claim the $2.4 region for the first time since May.

Amid this uptrend, Cobb claims what he calls the “XRP season” has begun, expressing his excitement for the development. According to him, this season started yesterday, July 9, suggesting XRP is likely to maintain the ongoing upsurge until it reaches certain significant price levels.

Alex Cobb on X
Alex Cobb on X

While XRP’s upsurge has partly been fueled by a renewal of bullish momentum within the broader market, with Bitcoin (BTC) reaching a new all-time high above $112,000 yesterday, XRP appears to have outperformed most of the market. For context, XRP is the second-largest gainer among the top 10 and the fourth when considering the top 20 assets.

This has contributed to the idea from Cobb that the XRP season has started. Also, unique developments surrounding the XRP ecosystem, including Ripple’s partnership with America’s oldest-running bank BNY, and Ripple CEO Garlinghouse’s appearance before Congress, have partly led to its more impressive gains. 

XRP Price Target for July 2025

Cobb expects the momentum to continue throughout this month of July. Notably, he believes XRP could reach a price target of $4.35 by the end of July, representing a new all-time high. With XRP currently trading for $2.42, it would need to increase by an additional 79% within this month to hit $4.35.

It is important to note that this will not be the first time a market pundit is predicting an XRP rally to the $4 mark. In January, when XRP reclaimed $3 and pulled back to the $2 mark, analyst Velo Maxi projected it could return to $3 and then leverage the psychological level as a launchpad to $4. He predicted this could happen in February. However, the prediction failed to materialize.

Interestingly, besides his latest projection, Cobb has continued to discuss XRP’s potential in recent times, as the uptrend continues. In one instance, he revealed that he regrets not buying more XRP when it traded at the $0.5 price level. Also, as Bitcoin claimed a new all-time high yesterday, Cobb projected that XRP was next.

New Zealand Moves to Ban Crypto ATMs in Anti-Money Laundering Crackdown

0

New Zealand’s government plans to outlaw crypto ATMs and limit cash transfers overseas, saying criminals are using them to move funds quickly and anonymously.

New Zealand is set to ban cryptocurrency ATMs as part of a major crackdown on money laundering and financial crime.

The initiative is part of a broader reform of the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) laws.

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced the plan on Wednesday. She noted that criminals are using crypto ATMs to transfer cash rapidly into high-risk assets.

“These reforms are about targeting criminals, not creating more red tape for honest businesses,” McKee said.

Why Crypto ATMs Are in the Crosshairs

Crypto ATMs allow users to insert cash or swipe a bank card in exchange for cryptocurrency, which can then be transferred instantly, often to offshore wallets.

Authorities say these machines are being misused. Scammers advertise fake products online, then ask buyers to send cryptocurrency through ATMs. Once the payment is made, the scammer disappears.

According to an April report from the Ministerial Advisory Group on Transnational, Serious, and Organised Crime, crypto ATMs have been exploited to purchase cryptocurrency. The funds are then transferred within minutes to offshore criminals, facilitating drug imports or scams.

New Limits on Cash Transfers

The government also wants to cap international cash transfers at NZ$5,000 (about US$3,000). This is intended to make it more difficult for criminals to send money overseas.

The Cabinet has introduced a new bill to expand police powers and strengthen oversight. Regulators will be empowered to take more aggressive action against individuals using the financial system for illicit activities.

Global Scrutiny on Crypto ATMs

New Zealand’s proposed crackdown mirrors growing international concern over the vulnerability of crypto ATMs to abuse. Neighboring Australia has stepped up oversight of the sector, with its financial watchdog, AUSTRAC, placing it “on notice” after a taskforce identified scams, particularly targeting the elderly.

In the U.S., Spokane, Washington, banned crypto kiosks entirely following an FBI report revealing $5.6 billion in fraud losses in 2024 linked to these machines.

Crypto ATM Growth Raises Red Flags

According to Coin ATM Radar, there are around 38,500 crypto ATMs globally. Over 30,000 are in the United States. New Zealand currently has 221.

McKee said the country’s new approach aims to deliver more clarity for businesses while maintaining the safety of the financial system. The crypto ATM ban, she noted, is a key part of that strategy.

Pro-XRP Lawyer Files Securities Fraud Class Action Against Linqto Founder

0

Pro-XRP lawyer John Deaton files a federal securities fraud class action against William Sarris, the co-founder and CEO of Linqto Inc. 

Deaton filed the class action in New York on Wednesday on behalf of thousands of retail investors who purchased pre-IPO shares of top companies, such as Ripple, via the Linqto platform.

The suit comes less than a day after Linqto filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the state of Texas. According to the bankruptcy filing, Linqto admitted to failing to follow the rules governing the sale and marketing of private equity stakes.

Attorney Deaton’s Main Argument

A few hours after Linqto’s bankruptcy filing, Deaton filed a federal securities class action against Sarris on behalf of retail investors.

The attorney alleged that Sarris orchestrated a multi-year scheme involving undisclosed markups of up to 60% on the prices of pre-IPO shares in private companies. This caused investors to pay significantly more than the actual value of the shares.

The complaint also accused Sarris of relying on misleading exemptions and unlicensed sale tactics to sell pre-IPO stock of private companies via special purpose vehicles (SPVs).

Sarris Ignored Warning About US Law Violations

Additionally, Attorney Deaton asserted that Linqto operated as a broker-dealer for several years without obtaining the required registrations from the SEC and FINRA.

The complaint stated that Linqto’s legal team flagged these violations in internal memos from 2023 and 2024. Its lawyers warned that Linqto was violating multiple U.S. laws in the way it sold and structured the SPV offerings.

However, the complaint alleged that Sarris ignored these warnings and continued using the same sales tactics.

Attorney Deaton, who represented thousands of XRP holders in the Ripple lawsuit, emphasized that the latest securities fraud class action specifically targets Sarris. This is part of an effort to prevent him from hiding under bankruptcy protection.

Interestingly, Deaton stated that any recovery, whether through a settlement or liability insurance, would be directly channeled to retail investors to fully compensate them.

Class Action Applies to All Linqto Customers

In a series of X posts, Deaton confirmed that the class action applies to all Linqto customers, including those residing outside the United States. According to him, Linqto retail customers are not required to submit any official application to join the class action.

“If you live outside of America, you are also included in anything related to Linqto, private lawsuits, and bankruptcy proceedings,” Deaton wrote on X.

Additionally, he promised to discuss the next steps of Linqto’s bankruptcy proceedings later today. The pro-XRP lawyer stated that investors would have a voice in the bankruptcy proceedings.

Linqto’s Debacle

Meanwhile, Linqto has been in the news since last month, following a Wall Street Journal report that confirmed federal authorities are investigating Linqto for potential violations of U.S. laws.

The company admitted its wrongdoings this week through the bankruptcy protection filing. As previously reported, Deaton claimed that since Linqto has no creditors, its retail users would get paid first before equity shareholders.

Furthermore, he reassured retail investors that Linqto still holds the underlying pre-IPO shares of private companies. Notably, the lawyer referenced a statement from Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, who confirmed that Linqto has 4.7 million units of Ripple’s pre-IPO shares.

He added that users will receive more than the amount they invested in these pre-IPO shares.

Here’s the Price XRP Needs to Beat Bitcoin as Expert Says XRP Is Coming for the Number One Spot

Crypto educator Edoardo Farina has claimed that XRP is aspiring for the top position in the crypto asset rankings.

This ambitious perspective suggests that XRP will not only surpass Ethereum but also displace Bitcoin to become the most valuable crypto.

As of today, XRP holds a market cap of $138 billion, ranking it as the fourth-largest crypto asset. In contrast, Bitcoin maintains a significant lead with a valuation of $2.16 trillion.

Notably, this market cap allows Bitcoin to rank above major companies like Alphabet (Google) and Meta Platforms (Facebook) in the global ranking of the most valuable assets. With BTC in sixth position, only Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and gold rank higher than Bitcoin.

Despite the formidable journey ahead, XRP proponents like Farina continue to believe that XRP is destined to reach the top spot in the crypto market, achieving trillion-dollar valuations like Bitcoin.

Edoardo Farina on X
Edoardo Farina on X

Given this optimism, The Crypto Basic recently estimated the price XRP would need to reach in order to match Bitcoin’s market cap and potentially surpass it.

At What Price Would XRP Overtake Bitcoin?

Currently, XRP has a circulating supply of about 59 billion tokens. Assuming this supply remains constant, a valuation of $2.2 trillion, slightly above Bitcoin’s, would require XRP to be priced at around $37.30 per token.

With XRP currently at $2.34, reaching $37.30 would require approximately 1,500% growth. If XRP were to rise by this margin while Bitcoin’s value remained static, XRP could become the leading cryptocurrency.

However, this is a purely hypothetical scenario. XRP may not achieve such a massive price appreciation without Bitcoin also increasing in value. Any further growth in Bitcoin’s price would widen the gap, making it more difficult for XRP to claim the top spot.

When Could XRP Reach $37?

Regarding when XRP could reach $37, opinions among market watchers vary widely. For instance, analyst XForceGlobal has predicted that XRP could reach $40 within this year. Meanwhile, Dustin Layton believes it could even surpass $50 by the end of 2025. These forecasts often rely on XRP’s technical indicators and historical price trends.

Conversely, research platforms are projecting much longer timelines for XRP to reach the $37 mark.

For example, the prediction platform Telegaon estimates XRP could hit $37 by 2030. Asset manager Bitwise also forecasted a potential high of $30 by 2030 under extremely bullish conditions.

Changelly, on the other hand, offers a more conservative outlook, suggesting XRP might not reach $37 until 2032.

Essentially, while many of these forecasts lean toward caution, several independent analysts within the XRP community remain more optimistic about XRP’s long-term potential.

Swap SYRUP On StealthEX: Your Gateway To Maple Finance’s Revolutionary DeFi Token

0

Discover how to exchange SYRUP tokens easily on StealthEX. Learn about Maple Finance’s innovative DeFi platform and start trading SYRUP with no registration required.

Exciting news for DeFi enthusiasts and crypto traders! SYRUP coin is now available on StealthEX, opening up new opportunities for seamless cryptocurrency exchanges. This listing marks a significant milestone for both Maple Finance supporters and StealthEX users, bringing together one of DeFi’s most innovative lending protocols with a trusted instant exchange platform.

Why does this matter? SYRUP represents the evolution of institutional DeFi lending, and its availability on StealthEX means users can now access this revolutionary token without the complexities of traditional exchanges. StealthEX has built its reputation on providing user-friendly, registration-free crypto swaps, making it the perfect platform for both newcomers and experienced traders looking to add SYRUP to their portfolios.

With over 2,000 crypto assets already available, StealthEX continues to expand its offerings, and the addition of SYRUP demonstrates the platform’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge DeFi projects that are reshaping the financial landscape.

What Is Maple Finance and SYRUP?

Maple Finance stands at the forefront of decentralized credit markets, revolutionizing how institutional capital flows through the crypto ecosystem. As a blockchain-based lending platform, Maple Finance connects institutional borrowers with lenders, creating efficient, transparent credit facilities without traditional banking intermediaries.

SYRUP emerged as the native token of Maple Finance in 2023, replacing the original MPL token through a community-approved migration. This transition wasn’t just a simple rebrand – it represented a fundamental upgrade in the protocol’s tokenomics and utility structure. The conversion followed a 1:100 ratio, where 1 MPL became 100 SYRUP tokens, ensuring no dilution for existing holders while creating a more flexible token economy.

What makes SYRUP special? The token serves multiple crucial functions within the Maple ecosystem:

  • Governance Rights: SYRUP holders can vote on key protocol decisions, shaping the future of institutional DeFi lending.
  • Staking Rewards: By staking SYRUP, holders earn rewards from Maple’s revenue-driven token buybacks.
  • Revenue Sharing: The protocol shares its success with token holders through a sophisticated reward mechanism.
  • Ecosystem Participation: SYRUP acts as the primary value accrual mechanism for the entire Maple platform.

This multi-faceted utility positions SYRUP as more than just another DeFi token – it’s a stake in the future of on-chain asset management.

How to Exchange SYRUP Crypto on StealthEX

Getting your hands on SYRUP tokens has never been easier thanks to StealthEX’s intuitive exchange platform. Here’s your complete guide to swapping for SYRUP in just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Visit the Exchange Page

Navigate to StealthEX and select SYRUP as your destination currency. You can start directly from the SYRUP exchange page or browse through the platform’s extensive asset list.

Step 2: Choose Your Trading Pair

Select which cryptocurrency you want to exchange for SYRUP. With over 2,000 crypto assets available on StealthEX, you have incredible flexibility, whether you’re swapping from BTC, ETH, USDT, or virtually any other major cryptocurrency.

Step 3: Enter the Amount

Input how much you want to exchange. StealthEX’s real-time calculator instantly shows you how much SYRUP you’ll receive, including all fees, ensuring complete transparency.

Step 4: Provide Your SYRUP Wallet Address

Enter your SYRUP-compatible wallet address where you want to receive your tokens. Double-check this address for accuracy.

Step 5: Send Your Crypto and Receive SYRUP

Send your chosen cryptocurrency to the provided address, and StealthEX handles the rest. Your SYRUP tokens will arrive in your wallet within minutes.

What Sets StealthEX Apart for SYRUP Swaps?

  • No Registration Required: Start swapping immediately without lengthy sign-up processes.
  • Competitive Exchange Rates: Get the best value for your crypto with transparent pricing.
  • Multiple Cryptocurrency Pairs: Exchange from virtually any major crypto to SYRUP.
  • Fast and Secure Transactions: Industry-leading security measures protect every swap.
  • 24/7 Support: Expert assistance is always available if you need help.

Current SYRUP Market Performance

As of late 2024, SYRUP has established itself as a significant player in the DeFi token space. Trading around $0.5, SYRUP has shown resilience and growth potential in a competitive market.

The token’s market performance reflects the underlying strength of Maple Finance’s business model. With over $2 billion in loans originated and a growing institutional user base, SYRUP benefits from real utility and adoption. Daily trading volumes demonstrate healthy liquidity, making it an attractive option for both long-term holders and active traders.

Looking ahead, what does the future hold for SYRUP? According to StealthEX’s SYRUP price prediction analysis, several factors could drive the token’s value:

  1. Institutional Adoption: As more institutions discover DeFi lending through Maple, demand for SYRUP could increase.
  2. Protocol Revenue Growth: Higher lending volumes translate to more rewards for SYRUP stakers.
  3. DeFi Market Expansion: The overall growth of decentralized finance benefits established protocols like Maple.
  4. Token Utility Enhancements: Ongoing development could add new use cases for SYRUP

The analysis suggests SYRUP shows promising upward potential, though various market conditions and adoption rates will influence this trajectory. The token’s strong fundamentals, combined with Maple Finance’s proven track record, provide a solid foundation for potential growth.

Conclusion

The addition of SYRUP to StealthEX’s extensive cryptocurrency selection opens new doors for traders interested in institutional DeFi. With StealthEX’s user-friendly platform, exchanging for SYRUP tokens requires no registration, offers competitive rates, and completes in minutes, making it the ideal gateway to Maple Finance’s revolutionary ecosystem.

Whether you’re a DeFi enthusiast looking to participate in the future of on-chain lending or a trader seeking exposure to innovative tokens with real utility, StealthEX provides the perfect platform for acquiring SYRUP. The combination of StealthEX’s proven exchange infrastructure and SYRUP’s growing ecosystem creates a compelling opportunity for crypto users at all levels.

Ready to start your SYRUP journey? Visit StealthEX today and discover how easy it is to exchange for one of DeFi’s most promising tokens. With just a few clicks, you’ll be holding SYRUP and participating in the transformation of institutional finance.

Disclaimer: This Press release article is provided by the Client. The Client is solely responsible for this page’s content, quality, accuracy, products, advertising, or other materials. Readers should conduct their own research before taking any actions related to the material available on this page. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for the accuracy of info and any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by the use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services mentioned in this press release article.

Please note that The Crypto Basic does not endorse or support any content or product on this page. We strongly advise readers to conduct their own research before acting on any information presented here and assume full responsibility for their decisions. This article should not be considered investment advice.

Dubai’s Airline Giant Emirates Signs Deal to Accept Bitcoin and Crypto Payments

Emirates Airline, one of the world’s leading carriers, has entered into a partnership with Crypto.com to accept Bitcoin and crypto payments for flights.

This move will enable travelers to use Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies when booking flights with Emirates. Notably, the integration will roll out by late 2025.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, CEO and Chairman of Emirates Airline & Group.

Catering to a New Generation of Crypto-Savvy Travelers

Emirates’ Deputy President and CCO, Adnan Kazim, stated that the partnership reflects the airline’s mission to meet the preferences of younger, digital-first travelers who increasingly favor crypto payments.

With this initiative, Emirates aims to offer customers greater flexibility, faster transactions, and a broader range of payment options. It also aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in financial innovation.

How Crypto Payments Will Work

The initial phase of the integration will focus on technical readiness and regulatory compliance. Once launched, customers will be able to pay using supported cryptocurrencies through Crypto.com Pay, which will instantly convert crypto payments into UAE Dirhams (AED) at the point of sale.

Importantly, Emirates will not hold crypto on its balance sheet. The rollout may begin with a pilot program on select routes or in specific regions before expanding globally.

Emirates and Crypto.com to Launch Joint Promotions

To support the adoption of the new payment option, Emirates and Crypto.com plan to launch co-branded marketing campaigns to raise awareness and encourage customers to use crypto when booking flights.

The collaboration is also part of Crypto.com’s broader strategy to embed cryptocurrency into the global travel ecosystem. It aims to offer seamless, secure, and compliant crypto experiences across air travel, retail, and hospitality sectors.

Dubai’s Crypto Adoption Continues to Accelerate

This partnership is the latest indication of Dubai’s growing role as a hub for crypto and blockchain innovation. Notably, from real estate tokenization to stablecoin-based transactions, the UAE has already embraced digital assets across multiple sectors.

Dubai’s DMCC free zone now hosts over 650 crypto firms, highlighting the region’s rapid growth in the digital asset space. Combined with recent approvals, such as Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin for use in the DIFC, Dubai is steadily building one of the world’s most advanced digital finance ecosystems.

Ultimately, with this latest move by Emirates, crypto adoption in aviation is becoming more widespread. Notably, other local airlines, such as Air Arabia, have already begun accepting stablecoins for bookings.

Soon, the ability to book flights with Bitcoin or other crypto assets could become a mainstream option.

CryptoQuant Analyst Reveals When Bitcoin Long-Term Holders May Start Selling

A prominent CryptoQuant analyst has identified the point at which Bitcoin long-term holders may start selling their holdings.

According to Axel Adler Jr., a verified analyst at CryptoQuant, these seasoned investors usually begin selling their holdings once their profits cross a major threshold, and this could have an impact on Bitcoin’s future price action.

When Bitcoin Long-Term Holders Could Start Selling 

Specifically, Adler pointed out that Bitcoin long-term holders tend to sell when their unrealized profits climb past 300%. Interestingly, this pattern has repeated itself across several Bitcoin bull rallies. 

For instance, in mid-March 2024, when Bitcoin reached $72,754, the profit ratio for LTHs hit 296.9%. As that number approached the 300% mark, many of them began selling. Notably, their selling pressure contributed to a drop in price, which pulled their profit margins down again.

Bitcoin Long-Term Holders Realized Profit and Loss CryptoQuant
Bitcoin Long-Term Holders Realized Profit and Loss | CryptoQuant

Another instance came during the rally between November 2024 and January 2025, fueled by political momentum. During this period, Bitcoin pushed past the $100,000 milestone and hit an all-time high of about $106,000 on Dec. 17, 2024. 

At that price level, LTHs were sitting on a 357% profit. The spike triggered another round of heavy selling, which again led to a decline in both Bitcoin’s price and their profit ratio.

Now, despite Bitcoin currently trading at over $109,000, higher than it did back in December 2024, Adler noted that LTHs are now only up about 215% on average. This gap between price and profit ratio comes from a change in their cost basis. 

Price at Which Bitcoin Long-Term Holders Could See 300% Profit

For context, in December 2024, LTHs had an average entry price of $23,314. This figure has now climbed to $34,400 because many of them bought more Bitcoin at higher prices. While the current market price is higher, their increased cost basis has reduced their overall returns.

Notably, for Bitcoin long-term holders to reach a 300% profit at the current cost basis of $34,400, Bitcoin would need to hit $137,600. This price represents a 25% increase from current levels. As a result, if Bitcoin could see another upsurge that might push it toward $137,000 before a roadblock occurs.

According to Adler, until this happens, the market remains in a range where Bitcoin long-term holders may either continue to take profits gradually or prepare for a sharper round of selling once the threshold is met.

Bitcoin Warming up for a Market Shift

Meanwhile, in a parallel report today, Adler said Bitcoin usually sets a new all-time high within 50 days of the previous one, provided the market avoids a correction deeper than 20%. 

So far, 47 days have passed since the last record high, and Bitcoin hasn’t seen any major pullback. The market analyst believes that if volatility remains low, Bitcoin could break its previous high of around $112,000 within the next seven days.

Also, blockchain analytics firm Glassnode noted today that Bitcoin’s RHODL Ratio just reached its highest point in this cycle. This change shows that a growing share of Bitcoin wealth now sits with holders who entered during the current cycle, while activity among short-term holders remains quiet.

Bitcoin RHODL Ratio Glassnode
Bitcoin RHODL Ratio | Glassnode

Glassnode explained that when the RHODL Ratio moves up and short-term activity stays low, the market often enters a transition phase. These periods usually lead to a drop in speculative momentum. At press time, Bitcoin currently trades for $109,379, up over 1% in the past week.

Ripple Partners with Oldest U.S. Bank for RLUSD Custody

0

Ripple has announced that The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY) will be the primary custodian of the reserves backing the RLUSD stablecoin. 

In the announcement, Ripple emphasized that the move would drive institutional adoption of digital assets and bridge the worlds of traditional and decentralized finance. 

Given BNY’s reputation in the financial sector, its selection as the primary custodian of RLUSD reserves could boost institutional credibility for the stablecoin. As the oldest bank in the United States, BNY serves as a custodian for institutional and corporate assets. 

Launched in December 2024, RLUSD is backed by high-quality liquid assets, including cash equivalents, money market funds, and U.S. Treasuries. These reserves will be safely held in BNY, ensuring that the stablecoin maintains its dollar peg. 

Ripple and BNY Execs React 

Jack McDonald, Ripple’s SVP of Stablecoins, stated that BNY was chosen as RLUSD’s ideal partner due to its unique blend of financial innovation, custody expertise, and forward‑thinking digital‑asset strategy. 

BNY’s Global Head of Digital Services, Emily Portney, expressed enthusiasm in supporting the growth of the digital asset ecosystem. According to Portney, BNY achieves this vision by providing a differentiated platform that meets the institutional needs of the industry. 

“We intend to provide secure, innovative, and streamlined solutions that empower financial ecosystems worldwide. BNY is proud to partner with Ripple as we propel the future of the financial system and digital asset adoption at institutional scale,” Portney remarked. 

Ripple Set to Leverage BNY Transaction Banking Services

In addition to selecting BNY as the primary custodian of RLUSD’s reserves, Ripple confirmed that it will also leverage the bank’s transaction banking services to enhance its operations. 

The development comes months after the U.S. Federal Reserve rolled back its anti-crypto policies, which had prohibited banks from engaging in crypto activities without authorization.

In April, the Fed rescinded the 2022 and 2023 supervisory letters, allowing banks to engage with cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins, without seeking advance permission. 

Meanwhile, Ripple has been making significant efforts to drive institutional adoption of RLUSD in recent times. Earlier this month, the company applied for a banking license with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). 

The national bank charter, if granted, would subject RLUSD to full federal oversight. Since Ripple has already secured a banking license for the stablecoin in New York, RLUSD will operate with state and federal banking licenses if the OCC approves the company’s national bank charter request. 

Notably, Ripple also applied for a Fed master account for the stablecoin through its custodian unit, Standard Custody. 

RLUSD Now 8th Biggest Stablecoin 

In the meantime, RLUSD’s market cap has crossed $500 million. RLUSD’s valuation, which stood at $469 million on July 3, has increased by 6.85% to $501.17 million in less than a week. 

Following the surge, RLUSD flipped TrueUSD (TUSD) and became the eighth-largest stablecoin in the market. At the moment, TUSD is valued at $493.23 million. 

Bitwise Says Buying XRP is Cleanest Way to Invest in Rise of Tokenization

0

Something is brewing in the real-world asset tokenization sector, and Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan believes the best way to gain exposure is through assets like XRP.

The industry leader shared his thoughts in his weekly CIO memo, where he talks about cryptocurrencies in five minutes. In this week’s edition, he highlighted the enormous potential of the tokenization industry and how buying XRP is a means of gaining exposure to the emerging technology.

Tokenization: The Next Big Thing

For the uninitiated, real-world asset (RWA) tokenization is a technological advancement that seeks to onboard traditional assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, onto blockchain. Notably, this initiative is slowly gaining momentum, and BlackRock’s CEO, Larry Fink, is a big fan.

In the report, Hougan shared a quote from the BlackRock CEO, which claims that everything, from stocks to bonds to funds and assets, would be tokenized someday. Furthermore, he highlighted that this would be a massive opportunity for investors, presenting an untapped multi-trillion-dollar market.

For instance, stocks and bonds are a combined $257 trillion market, with the former representing $117 trillion and the latter $140 trillion. This alone trounces the opportunities in the hotly discussed stablecoin market, which US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent projected would reach $2 trillion by 2030.

Major Progress in the Tokenization Front

Meanwhile, Hougan highlighted a few promising developments in the tokenization sector over the last month, one of which is the $200 million tokenization plan on the XRP Ledger. For context, Mercado Bitcoin, a prominent Latin American crypto exchange, announced on July 4 that it would tokenize $200 million in RWAs on the XRP Ledger, including fixed and equity income instruments.

Additionally, Robinhood and Kraken launched tokenized stock trading platforms, building on Ethereum’s Arbitrum and the Solana network, respectively. With these platforms open only to non-US users, Coinbase filed a request with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to allow Americans access to tokenized stocks.

Interestingly, the prospect that Coinbase’s petition will gain approval ticked up when US SEC Chair Paul Atkins branded tokenization “a significant innovation.” He made this remark in a recent media interview, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to advancing tokenization in the American marketplace.

Holding XRP: A Form of Exposure to Tokenization

To invest in this rapidly growing sector, which Fink projects could rise 4,000x in the coming years, Hougan recommended investing in a “basket of Layer 1 blockchains and infrastructure plays.” Among them are Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Chainlink.

Interestingly, the XRP Ledger is emerging as a major medium for RWA tokenization, with its involvement in several institutional attempts. For instance, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) selected the XRPL network as an infrastructure for its Real Estate Tokenization Project.

As a result, Hougan suggested that holding XRP could be a play to benefit from the expanding tokenization market. Notably, a recent analysis indicates that XRP could trade between $37 and $54 depending on its circulating supply if it captures 20% of the $18 trillion tokenization market projected for 2033.

Meanwhile, the Bitwise CIO also mentioned exposure to crypto stocks like Coinbase, Circle, and Robinhood as a supplementary means of investment in tokenization.

Early Bitcoin Buyer Says Dismissing XRP Today Is a Mistake

Pro-XRP game developer Chad Steingraber recently reignited confidence in XRP with a post highlighting his early Bitcoin investment.

According to Steingraber, he bought all his Bitcoin when it was just $3,000, a decision that has paid off massively.

Notably, BTC last sold for exactly $3,000 in December 2018. The leading crypto also maintained prices in the $3K range in early 2019 before it left that region for good.

In the nearly seven years that followed, Bitcoin has gone on to reach its peak price of $112,000. In perspective, that marks a massive 3,633% surge. Even today, it retains most of those gains, stabilizing around $109K.

Don’t Miss XRP After Missing Bitcoin

In his post, Steingraber emphasized that he would have missed the opportunity to enter Bitcoin early and net a 37X return if he had listened to the naysayers. He suggests that XRP is now in a similar phase. The tweet subtly warns that listening to skeptics could lead to missing out again.

Steingraber’s message resonates with a broader sentiment within the XRP community. They believe XRP could become as valuable as Bitcoin in the future and that long-term value often emerges when sentiment is at its lowest.

These comparisons surface as XRP’s long-term performance continues to frustrate holders. The coin has traded below its peak for nearly eight years, with many critics labeling it a poor long-term investment but viable for short-term speculation.

Ignoring the Noise, Focusing on Value

However, XRP proponents see such skepticism as similar to what Bitcoin faced in its early stages. Some commentators also point out that XRP has existed nearly as long as Bitcoin.

Notably, XRP emerged three years after Bitcoin, though their performance remains miles apart. For instance, around 2018/2019, when Bitcoin was last seen at $3K and Steingraber entered, XRP was around $0.28. Since then, XRP’s price has increased about 11X compared to Bitcoin’s 37X.

Many attribute XRP’s perceived underperformance to the SEC lawsuit. While the legal battles are now behind it, the coin has yet to stage the historic breakout many hope will make them rich.

Yet, amid the wait, pundits continue to highlight that a day of reckoning is coming for XRP, and those ignoring it today may regret it.

According to crypto educator Edoardo Farina, investors have until Ripple unveils a new plan for the XRP in escrow. After that, he believes FOMO will send the price through the roof.

Separately, influencer Coach JV said XRP holders stand to benefit from one of the greatest wealth transfers in history. According to him, those sleeping on XRP will regret it in the future.

But When?

Amid all these promises of a bright future, the lingering question on investors’ minds is: When will this teased future arrive?

Early Bitcoin holders are already cashing out billions from investments made when prices were under $0.10. As for XRP holders, the wait continues. However, pundits like Steingraber have continued to advise patience.