XRP Price Surpasses $3 for First Time Since 2018

Ripple’s native cryptocurrency, XRP, surged to $3 on January 15, 2025, marking its highest price since 2018. The spike came amid a broader market rally, as XRP jumped over 16% during U.S. trading hours. This rally pushed XRP’s market capitalization to $171.5 billion, solidifying its position as the third-largest digital asset, behind Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

Why Did XRP’s Price Surge?

The surge in XRP’s price can be attributed to several factors, including a broader recovery in the cryptocurrency market. However, news surrounding the incoming Trump administration may have played a significant role. Reports suggest that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may ease its stance on digital asset lawsuits under the leadership of Paul Atkins, who is reportedly set to lead the SEC after Trump’s inauguration.

According to the reports, Trump’s SEC could reconsider or scale back lawsuits against crypto businesses, particularly those not involving fraud. This could include cases against companies like Coinbase and Ripple, both of which are facing allegations of selling unregistered securities. If true, the incoming SEC leadership may pause or reassess ongoing legal battles, providing some relief to Ripple and the broader crypto industry.

However, it’s important to note that such a shift in regulatory stance is unprecedented, as new SEC leadership typically does not halt or overturn cases initiated by their predecessors. Additionally, Paul Atkins’s appointment as SEC chair is still subject to Senate approval, making it unclear exactly how the agency will approach these ongoing lawsuits.

Broader Market Context

XRP’s price surge occurred against the backdrop of a broader market recovery. After a recent market correction, digital assets rebounded, with XRP’s movement reflecting the broader trend. However, the possibility of regulatory changes under the new SEC leadership has certainly added fuel to the optimism surrounding XRP, contributing to its strong performance.

If regulatory pressures on Ripple ease, it could provide a significant boost to XRP’s future price potential, as the legal uncertainty surrounding the cryptocurrency would be reduced. However, much depends on the direction the new SEC leadership takes, and market participants are awaiting further developments.