Internet personality Tristan Tate recently questioned the rationale behind XRP enthusiasts' belief that the cryptocurrency could surpass $100 this year. Since the beginning of 2025, XRP has garnered significant interest, especially after Ripple executives hinted at its potential inclusion in the proposed U.S. national digital currency inventory.
On February 4, Tristan posted: "Explain to me why $XRP would be worth hundreds of dollars per coin on Earth?" His query sparked a range of responses, including insights from golf influencer and model Bri Teresi, who highlighted XRP's real-world utility in finance as a key driver for its value.
"XRP fees are incredibly low. It’s designed for cross-border payments and liquidity solutions. It serves as a bridge currency for fiat conversions—something Bitcoin can’t do. The short answer? It has utility."
— Bri Teresi
Regulatory Clarity Fuels XRP Speculation
Ripple, the company behind XRP, has positioned itself to benefit from potential regulatory clarity in the U.S., despite its ongoing case with the SEC. Rumors swirled after Ripple executives met with former President Donald Trump on January 8 at Mar-a-Lago, allegedly discussing XRP's inclusion in official government digital assets.
Key Developments in Stablecoin Legislation
- The GENIUS Act: Introduced by Senator Bill Hagerty, this bill aims to establish clear regulations for stablecoins, often pegged to the U.S. dollar.
- Goals: Provide licensing requirements for issuers and reserve guidelines, potentially paving the way for traditional financial institutions to adopt stablecoins like Ripple’s RLUSD.
👉 Learn more about the GENIUS Act’s impact on crypto
Institutional Adoption of Ripple’s Services
Ripple recently acquired Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs) in New York and Texas—states known for stringent regulations. This marks a significant milestone, bringing Ripple’s total to 50+ MTLs in the U.S. and 60+ globally.
Notable Testing:
- Major banks (e.g., Bank of America, Santander) are trialing Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service for instant cross-border payments.
- A favorable SEC case outcome could integrate Ripple’s services into mainstream U.S. finance, boosting demand for XRP as a bridge currency.
Skepticism Around XRP’s $100 Price Target
Critics argue that reaching $100 per XRP would require a $6 trillion market cap—quadruple Bitcoin’s current valuation—calling it "unrealistic."
Current XRP Status:
- Price: $2.63 (testing the lower boundary of its bullish wedge pattern).
- 24-hour change: -1.34%.
👉 Explore XRP’s real-time market trends
FAQ: XRP’s Future and Viability
Q1: What gives XRP its value?
A: Its utility in low-cost, high-speed cross-border transactions and liquidity solutions.
Q2: Could XRP really hit $100?
A: Experts debate this; it’d require unprecedented adoption and a $6T market cap.
Q3: How does the GENIUS Act affect Ripple?
A: Clearer stablecoin regulations could legitimize Ripple’s RLUSD, indirectly benefiting XRP.
Q4: Why did Tristan Tate question XRP’s hype?
A: He sought justification for its lofty price predictions, sparking discussions on its real-world use cases.
Q5: What’s next for Ripple’s SEC case?
A: A favorable resolution could accelerate institutional adoption of XRP.