In recent days, XRP has struggled to regain upward momentum, raising concerns among market participants about a potential repeat of the prolonged 2021–2022 bear market cycle. However, a new development involving Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, could introduce a meaningful shift in sentiment.
Garlinghouse has joined the Innovation Advisory Committee of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The appointment is being viewed as a notable milestone not only for Ripple, but also for the broader XRP ecosystem.
A Regulatory Shift That Could Change the Narrative
For nearly five years, Ripple has operated under significant regulatory scrutiny in the United States. Now, the same regulatory environment is inviting industry participants to contribute to policy discussions.
Garlinghouse’s role within the CFTC’s advisory framework may help bridge the gap between regulators and blockchain innovators. Constructive dialogue at the policy level could gradually reduce uncertainty—an issue that has historically weighed on XRP’s valuation and investor confidence.
For XRP supporters, this development signals progress toward regulatory normalization. Participation in advisory discussions does not guarantee immediate regulatory changes. However, it suggests a more collaborative tone between policymakers and crypto industry leaders.
Such engagement could improve Ripple’s standing in U.S. policy debates and potentially contribute to clearer digital asset guidelines over time.
Selling Pressure Exists, But Context Matters
Despite the positive regulatory development, recent profit-and-loss metrics show an uptick in selling activity. Some analysts have drawn comparisons to early warning signs that preceded the 2022 bear market.
However, historical context is important. In 2022, persistent selling pressure extended over nearly four months, with sustained outflows and deteriorating sentiment. In contrast, the current selling phase lacks the duration and intensity that characterized that earlier downturn.
Exchange data indicates that approximately 100 million XRP—valued around $130 million—has moved to trading platforms over the past 10 days. While this is a meaningful figure, it does not yet reflect panic-driven liquidation.
For comparison, in November 2025, roughly 130 million XRP was reportedly sold within just 72 hours, representing a far more aggressive distribution event. Current flows appear more measured and orderly.
Moderate selling pressure combined with improving regulatory optics could allow the market to absorb supply without triggering a cascading decline.
Liquidation Map Suggests Room for Recovery
Liquidation heatmap data suggests that immediate downside risks are not heavily concentrated beneath current price levels. The next major resistance zone is estimated between $1.78 and $1.80—levels that may act as profit-taking zones rather than insurmountable barriers.
The absence of dense liquidation clusters below current prices reduces the probability of forced long liquidations in the near term. If bullish momentum improves, XRP may have room to advance before encountering significant overhead supply.
This relatively flexible technical structure offers a cautiously optimistic outlook, though traders remain attentive to shifts in on-chain activity and broader market sentiment.
Key Price Levels to Watch
At the time of writing, XRP is trading near $1.35 and hovering just below the key $1.36 support level. The next major support sits around $1.27, aligning with the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level.
A decisive break below $1.27 could tilt sentiment toward a more defensive posture, increasing the likelihood of deeper downside toward the $1.11 region. Such a move would invalidate the near-term bullish recovery scenario and potentially extend the corrective phase.
On the upside, reclaiming the $1.51 level would represent an important technical milestone. Sustained strength above this zone could open the path toward the upper supply region near $1.76.
Market participants are closely monitoring whether XRP can stabilize above support while broader macro and regulatory narratives evolve.
Broader Outlook
While XRP remains under short-term pressure, Garlinghouse’s appointment to the CFTC Innovation Advisory Committee introduces a constructive element to the long-term narrative.
Clearer regulatory engagement could help improve institutional confidence over time. However, price recovery ultimately depends on market structure, liquidity conditions, and sustained buying interest.
As always, investors should carefully evaluate risks, monitor on-chain data, and conduct independent research before making financial decisions.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
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