Ripple’s XRP has surged into the upper echelon of global cryptocurrencies, now ranking as the fourth-largest digital asset by market capitalization. This remarkable climb places it behind only Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether’s USDT—edging past major competitors like Solana’s SOL. As of early December 2025, XRP’s market cap has ballooned from approximately $30 billion to over $131 billion, marking one of the most dramatic comebacks in crypto history.
The timing of this rally is no coincidence. The re-election of Donald Trump has injected new optimism into the cryptocurrency sector, particularly for projects like Ripple that have long battled regulatory headwinds.
Why Is XRP Rising?
At the heart of XRP’s resurgence lies a powerful combination of shifting political tides, favorable regulatory developments, and renewed institutional confidence.
After years of legal uncertainty stemming from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) lawsuit filed in 2020—accusing Ripple of conducting an unregistered securities offering—the tide began to turn in July 2024. A federal judge ruled that XRP itself was not a security when sold to retail investors, delivering a landmark victory for the company and setting a precedent for broader crypto regulation clarity.
With Trump’s return to the White House, expectations are mounting for a more innovation-friendly regulatory environment. Market sentiment suggests that agencies like the SEC may take a step back from aggressive enforcement under new leadership, especially as Gary Gensler departs his role.
👉 Discover how regulatory shifts are reshaping the future of digital assets.
Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin: A Game-Changer on the Horizon?
One of the most anticipated catalysts behind XRP’s momentum is the potential approval of Ripple’s own dollar-backed stablecoin, RLUSD.
According to reports from Fox Business, the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) is nearing final approval for the launch of RLUSD, with plans potentially set for December 4, 2025. If confirmed, this would mark a pivotal expansion of Ripple’s financial infrastructure beyond cross-border payments.
Stablecoins play a crucial role in blockchain ecosystems by providing price stability and enabling seamless value transfer across platforms. The introduction of RLUSD could significantly enhance liquidity within the XRP Ledger (XRPL), attract institutional users, and deepen integration with decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.
This move also aligns with Ripple’s broader strategy to position itself as a comprehensive financial technology platform—not just a payments protocol.
Regulatory Clarity Fuels Investor Confidence
The path to legitimacy hasn’t been easy for Ripple. The multi-year legal battle with the SEC created widespread uncertainty about XRP’s classification and future viability. However, the July 2024 ruling provided much-needed clarity, reinforcing the argument that certain cryptocurrencies can operate outside traditional securities frameworks when distributed appropriately.
Now, with pro-crypto voices gaining influence in Washington, optimism is growing. Chris Giancarlo, former chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), has emerged as a leading contender for a newly proposed “Crypto Czar” position in Trump’s administration. Giancarlo has publicly advocated for dropping the SEC’s case against Ripple entirely, emphasizing the need for clear, consistent regulations that foster innovation rather than stifle it.
Such endorsements from high-profile figures lend credibility to Ripple’s mission and signal a potential shift toward cooperative regulation—a win not just for XRP, but for the entire crypto industry.
Brad Garlinghouse and the Push for Pro-Innovation Policy
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has been at the forefront of efforts to shape crypto policy through advocacy and public engagement. Recently, he was interviewed by CBS News’ iconic 60 Minutes program—an appearance that underscores the growing mainstream recognition of blockchain technology.
In a social media post, Garlinghouse highlighted the discussion focused on "crypto, the push for regulatory clarity, and how the industry banded together to advocate for pro-innovation candidates through Fairshake PAC."
Fairshake PAC, co-founded by Ripple and other major crypto firms, aims to support political candidates who understand and champion digital asset innovation across party lines. Its bipartisan approach reflects a maturing industry seeking sustainable policy solutions rather than short-term wins.
👉 Learn how industry leaders are shaping the next era of financial innovation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did XRP’s price increase after Trump’s election?
A: Trump's re-election has raised expectations for a more supportive regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies. His administration is anticipated to favor innovation-driven policies, which benefits projects like Ripple that have faced prolonged SEC scrutiny.
Q: Is XRP considered a security?
A: In July 2024, a U.S. federal judge ruled that XRP is not a security when sold to retail investors. While some aspects of Ripple’s sales were deemed unregistered offerings, the token itself was not classified as a security—a critical distinction that boosted investor confidence.
Q: What is RLUSD and why does it matter?
A: RLUSD is Ripple’s proposed U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin. If approved by NYDFS, it could expand Ripple’s utility in global payments, DeFi, and tokenized assets—potentially increasing demand for the XRP Ledger.
Q: How does XRP compare to other top cryptocurrencies?
A: Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, XRP is optimized for fast, low-cost international transactions. It’s widely adopted by financial institutions for cross-border settlements, giving it real-world utility beyond speculation.
Q: Will the SEC continue its case against Ripple?
A: With Gary Gensler stepping down and potential leadership changes under a Trump administration, pressure is mounting to conclude or drop the case. Public figures like Chris Giancarlo have called for its termination to promote regulatory harmony.
Q: Where can I buy XRP safely?
A: XRP is available on several compliant global exchanges that adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) standards. Always verify platform legitimacy before trading.
👉 Access secure and reliable tools to explore XRP and other leading digital assets.
Looking Ahead: The Future of XRP in 2025 and Beyond
As we move deeper into 2025, XRP stands at a transformative juncture. Regulatory victories, political tailwinds, and strategic product launches like RLUSD have laid the foundation for sustained growth. More importantly, Ripple continues to demonstrate that blockchain technology can coexist with responsible regulation—offering scalable solutions for banks, payment providers, and developers worldwide.
Whether you're an investor tracking XRP price prediction, a developer building on the XRP Ledger, or simply watching how policy shapes tech innovation, one thing is clear: Ripple's story is far from over.
The convergence of technology, law, and politics has created a rare moment of alignment—one that could redefine what's possible in decentralized finance.