XRP, the cryptocurrency developed by Ripple Labs, has achieved a historic milestone, reclaiming its position as the third-largest digital asset by market capitalization. This resurgence comes after years of legal battles and market challenges, marking a significant turnaround for the token and its investors.
The recent surge in XRP’s price, which reached $2.35 as of early December, represents a 24% increase within the past 24 hours and an extraordinary 341% rise since the beginning of November. These gains reflect not only bullish market sentiment but also growing confidence in Ripple’s future as it moves closer to resolving its long-standing legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Ripple’s legal struggles began in December 2020 when the SEC filed a lawsuit accusing the company of conducting an unregistered securities offering through its sale of XRP. The lawsuit caused XRP’s price to plummet from $0.50 to $0.17 and erased billions from its market value. Over the next four years, the cryptocurrency remained the seventh-largest by market cap, defying expectations by holding its place in the top ten despite the controversy. Recent legal victories in 2024, including favorable rulings for Ripple, have significantly brightened its prospects, driving investor enthusiasm and market momentum.
The impact of XRP’s rebound is evident beyond price movements. Google Trends data shows that searches for “XRP” outpaced broader terms like “crypto” several times in November, underscoring the token’s growing visibility among both retail and institutional investors. This surge in search activity highlights a renewed public interest in XRP and its underlying blockchain technology, fueled by the narrative of its legal triumphs and market resilience.
The cryptocurrency’s rise has also reshaped the competitive landscape. XRP has surpassed Solana (SOL), Binance’s BNB, and even the Tether (USDT) stablecoin to secure its position as the third-largest cryptocurrency, trailing only Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Bitcoin, valued at over $96,000 per token, remains the dominant force in the market, while Ethereum maintains a comfortable lead over XRP with a market capitalization advantage of 219%.
However, XRP’s recent gains have sparked speculation about its ability to challenge Ethereum for the second spot. Analysts suggest that if XRP maintains its upward trajectory, reaching higher price levels could bring it closer to Ethereum’s valuation. The scenario remains ambitious but not entirely implausible given the token’s current momentum and its ability to attract significant trading volumes.
Ripple’s journey is emblematic of the cryptocurrency market’s volatility and resilience. After years of legal uncertainty and market challenges, XRP’s comeback signals a broader shift in sentiment. Investors are closely monitoring whether XRP can sustain its growth and cement its position as a key player in the crypto ecosystem.
