XRP is currently trading at about $2.35 (as of Saturday, May 10, 2025), amid a wave of optimism following the announcement of an official settlement between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which led to notable market movements and increased network activity.
Legal settlement details:
After a legal battle lasting over four years, the parties reached a historic agreement that includes:
Settlement value: Ripple will pay a fine of $50 million, significantly less than the original fine of $125 million.
Ending the dispute: The settlement resolves the case filed since December 2020.
Lifting the injunction: The parties will ask the court to lift the injunction issued in August 2024, allowing the release of $125 million from the escrow account. Ripple will receive $75 million of this.
Withdrawal of appeals: If the court agrees, both parties will waive their appeals.
SEC's perspective: The agency confirmed that this settlement does not constitute an admission of the claims in the case and does not set a legal precedent for future cases.
Internal opposition: Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw opposed the settlement, arguing that it undermines investor protection and limits the court's role in interpreting laws.
XRP market performance:
Price spike: After the announcement, XRP jumped to $2.4273, its highest level in six weeks.
Whale accumulation: Data indicates an increase in holdings by large investors, reflecting rising confidence.
Network activity: The XRP network experienced a notable increase in daily payment volume and the number of active accounts.
Technical analysis: A breakout above the $3 resistance is expected, with bullish targets potentially reaching $3.9 or more in the long term.
CME futures contracts: The CME Group is preparing to launch XRP futures contracts on May 19, which could attract institutional interest.
Price predictions:
Short term: Predictions suggest the possibility of exceeding the $3 level soon.
Medium term (2025): Predictions range between $2 and $17, depending on the clarity of regulations and the expansion of RippleNet. Standard Chartered expects the price to reach $5.50.
Long term: Some optimistic predictions indicate much higher levels, but they remain speculative and depend on widespread global adoption.
Additional developments:
Pharmacy adoption: XRP is said to be used in 6,000 U.S. pharmacies as part of a healthcare deal, as a reserve asset and for payments.
Coinbase performance: Coinbase generated revenue from XRP that outperformed Ethereum and Solana, despite XRP trading being previously suspended for two years.
Conclusion:
The settlement with the SEC represents a significant turning point in the trajectory of XRP, removing a legal obstacle that has long affected investor confidence. Along with technical momentum and increasing reliance on the network, this opens the door to a potential bullish wave. However, the cryptocurrency market remains volatile, necessitating caution when dealing with price predictions.
