Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is optimistic about 2025, calling it a "bullish" year for the company. He believes the Trump administration's pro-crypto stance will "jumpstart innovation and job growth" in the US . Garlinghouse also expressed confidence in XRP's growth, likening its rise to a basketball being held underwater, saying it can't stay suppressed forever .

Some key developments include:

- *Increased US Hiring*: 75% of Ripple's open roles are now US-based, a significant shift from previous years when most hires were international .

- *New Business Deals*: Ripple signed more US deals in the last six weeks of 2024 than in the preceding six months .

- *Regulatory Environment*: The incoming administration's pro-crypto stance, led by figures like Paul Atkins, may bring an end to the SEC vs Ripple lawsuit .

- *XRP Price Surge*: XRP's value has risen over 300% since the election, reaching $2.61 and solidifying its position as the third-largest cryptocurrency .

Garlinghouse also predicts that XRP will continue to rise, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective .