XRP is once again in the spotlight as a prominent Web3 researcher predicts the token could surge nearly 10X by the close of 2025, hitting a potential price target of $25. Currently trading at $2.82 after a 6% dip in the last 24 hours, XRP remains the focus of bullish speculation despite its recent short-term weakness.
Legal Clarity Boosts Confidence
Phantom DeFi, a well-known DeFi and alpha researcher, argues that Ripple’s recent settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sets the stage for XRP’s “final move.” After five years of litigation, Ripple now enjoys what Phantom DeFi calls “the strongest legal clarity in U.S. history.”
The resolution is removing long-standing hesitation from banks, funds, and corporations that previously avoided the token due to regulatory uncertainty.
ETFs Could Unlock Institutional Liquidity
Another major catalyst could come from Wall Street. Around seven spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications are under regulatory review, with prediction markets pricing in a 95% chance of approval by mid-October.
According to Phantom DeFi, successful ETF approvals could unlock trillions in institutional liquidity, mirroring the surge seen when Bitcoin ETFs hit U.S. markets. This could serve as the ignition moment XRP needs to climb toward double-digit valuations.
RLUSD and Ripple’s Banking Ambitions
Ripple is also expanding its ecosystem through RLUSD, a U.S. dollar–backed stablecoin fully collateralized with Treasuries and bank deposits. Already live in the U.S., RLUSD is set to launch in Japan in early 2026 in partnership with SBI. The stablecoin’s growth strengthens XRP Ledger’s appeal as a global settlement layer.
On another front, Ripple is awaiting approval for a New York banking charter and a Federal Reserve master account. If granted, Ripple would essentially operate as a blockchain-native bank plugged directly into the Fed’s settlement system, an unprecedented development that could cement its dominance in cross-border finance.
Institutions Quietly Building on XRPL
Major financial institutions are beginning to integrate Ripple’s infrastructure. Franklin Templeton is exploring tokenized funds on XRPL, DBS Bank is helping with RLUSD’s Asian rollout, and BBVA is developing custody services atop Ripple’s framework. These steps suggest that traditional finance is quietly onboarding trillion-dollar use cases onto Ripple technology.
Macro Trends Favor Blockchain Settlement
Phantom DeFi also highlights the broader macroeconomic backdrop. With U.S. national debt topping $35 trillion and growing doubts about the dollar’s long-term dominance, global entities like the IMF and BIS are advocating for blockchain-based settlement layers, further bolstering XRP’s relevance.
Path to $25
Phantom DeFi concludes that September 2025 represents the “calm before the storm.” He projects XRP could break $25 by December, potentially “rewriting financial history.” While some analysts maintain more conservative targets around $5, others believe XRP could create a new wave of millionaires if these catalysts align.
For investors, the outlook underscores both the risks and once-in-a-generation opportunities tied to XRP’s evolving role in global finance.