The XRP price has surged past $3 for the first time since 2018, climbing over 8% in a single day as market sentiment shifts in favor of Ripple amid ongoing legal developments with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The rally saw XRP peak at $3.18 before settling around $3.06, signaling strong investor confidence despite regulatory uncertainty.
This momentum follows public comments from Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, who dismissed the SEC’s latest appeal brief as “just noise” — a powerful statement that resonated across the cryptocurrency community and triggered renewed buying pressure.
SEC Appeal Labeled a “Rehash of Failed Arguments”
The recent price spike coincided with the SEC filing its opening appellate brief in the long-running case against Ripple Labs. The regulator reiterated its position that Ripple executives Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen conducted unregistered securities offerings by selling over $2 billion worth of XRP tokens without proper disclosures under the Securities Act of 1933.
However, Alderoty responded swiftly on January 16, calling the brief “a rehash of already failed arguments” and suggesting they may be dropped under a potential future administration. His full statement emphasized resilience and forward momentum:
"As expected, the SEC’s appeal brief is a rehash of already failed arguments – and likely to be abandoned by the next administration. We’ll respond formally in due time. For now, know this: the SEC’s lawsuit is just noise. A new era of pro-innovation regulation is coming, and Ripple is thriving."
This bold stance reflects Ripple’s growing confidence following earlier court rulings that partially favored the company, particularly Judge Analisa Torres’ decision distinguishing between institutional and retail sales of XRP.
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XRP Market Cap Tops $175 Billion, Surpasses BlackRock
The surge in XRP’s value has had dramatic implications for its market capitalization, which now exceeds **$175.51 billion** — surpassing financial giant **BlackRock Inc. (BLK)**, whose market cap stands at approximately $156.92 billion according to Yahoo Finance data. This milestone marks a symbolic shift in investor perception, highlighting the rising influence of digital assets in the broader financial landscape.
Beyond market cap comparisons, interest in XRP has also outpaced Bitcoin in terms of global Google search volume over the past 24 hours. This spike in organic search demand indicates heightened public curiosity and media attention, both critical drivers of sustained adoption and price momentum.
Why This Matters for Crypto Markets
The fact that a single cryptocurrency can now rival one of the world’s largest asset managers underscores the transformative potential of blockchain technology. While traditional finance institutions have long dominated capital markets, decentralized networks like Ripple are redefining how value is transferred and stored globally.
Moreover, XRP’s utility in cross-border payments — used by over 500 financial institutions via RippleNet — adds fundamental strength to its valuation beyond mere speculation.
Core Keywords Driving Search Interest
Key terms fueling online discussion and search traffic around this event include:
- XRP price
- Ripple SEC lawsuit
- XRP market cap
- Stuart Alderoty
- XRP legal case
- cryptocurrency regulation
- XRP pump
- digital asset innovation
These keywords reflect a blend of technical performance, regulatory context, and macro-level financial trends — all essential components for SEO-rich content that meets real user search intent.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the SEC lawsuit over for Ripple?
No, the case is not fully resolved. While Judge Torres ruled in July 2023 that XRP itself is not a security when sold to retail investors, the SEC has appealed aspects of the decision related to institutional sales. The appeal process is ongoing, but Ripple remains confident in its legal standing.
Can XRP reach $5 or higher?
While price predictions vary, reaching $5 would require a combination of favorable regulatory outcomes, increased adoption of RippleNet, and broader bullish momentum in the crypto market. Historical patterns suggest significant upside potential if legal clarity emerges in 2025.
Does XRP have intrinsic value?
Yes. Unlike many speculative tokens, XRP serves a functional role in facilitating fast, low-cost international payments through Ripple’s payment solutions. Its use by banks and financial institutions provides tangible utility that supports long-term valuation.
Why did XRP surge past $3 now?
The price jump was triggered by a mix of factors: positive sentiment from Alderoty’s comments downplaying the SEC threat, growing institutional interest, increasing retail search volume, and broader optimism about crypto-friendly policies under potential upcoming U.S. leadership changes.
How does XRP compare to Bitcoin in popularity?
Recently, XRP briefly surpassed Bitcoin in Google search volume — a rare occurrence that highlights the intensity of current market focus on Ripple-related news. However, Bitcoin still dominates in overall market influence, liquidity, and global recognition.
Could an XRP ETF be possible?
While no official filings exist yet, the growing debate around crypto ETFs — especially after approvals for Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs — opens the door for future consideration of an XRP ETF, particularly if regulatory clarity improves.
A New Era of Pro-Innovation Regulation?
Alderoty’s vision of a “new era of pro-innovation regulation” may not be far-fetched. With increasing bipartisan support for clearer crypto frameworks and growing recognition of America’s competitive position in blockchain technology, regulatory reform appears increasingly likely.
The contrast between enforcement-heavy approaches and innovation-driven policy could define the next chapter of U.S. financial leadership. Ripple’s ability to maintain operations and grow during litigation sets a precedent for other blockchain firms navigating complex legal environments.
As markets react positively to signs of resilience and progress, XRP’s breakout above $3 may mark more than just a price milestone — it could symbolize a turning point in the relationship between regulators and digital asset innovators.
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Final Thoughts: XRP’s Momentum Builds on Fundamentals and Sentiment
The confluence of legal confidence, rising market cap, and surging public interest paints a compelling picture for XRP’s future. While volatility remains inherent to cryptocurrency markets, this latest rally demonstrates that informed optimism — backed by utility and strategic legal positioning — can drive meaningful price action.
For investors and observers alike, the key takeaway is clear: XRP is no longer just another digital token caught in regulatory limbo. It’s emerging as a symbol of innovation persistence in the face of institutional resistance — and that narrative continues to attract attention, capital, and momentum.
With over 800 million XRP tokens used daily in real-world transactions and partnerships expanding globally, the foundation for long-term growth appears stronger than ever. Whether or not the SEC appeal ultimately succeeds, the market has already begun pricing in a future where Ripple thrives — and where XRP plays a central role in modern finance.