Ripple (XRP) is a risky long-term investment due to its centralized nature and close ties with the traditional banking system. Unlike other decentralized cryptocurrencies, which tend to increase in value during banking crises as people lose confidence in financial institutions, Ripple, which is used to facilitate cross-border payments and is linked to banks, could see its value decline in times of economic turmoil. During a banking crisis, investors might move away from assets directly influenced by financial institutions, strengthening the resilience of decentralized cryptocurrencies while weakening those associated with the banking system.