• XRP saw a 271% price surge in 2024, solidifying its position as a top cryptocurrency.
• Ripple’s RLUSD launch and potential SEC leadership change could significantly boost XRP’s long-term adoption.
• Whale activity and a strong investor community suggest growing institutional interest and optimism for XRP’s future.

XRP staged a remarkable performance in 2024, with a 271% annual price surge. However, as the market cools down and XRP experiences a dip, the question arises: is now the right time to invest in XRP?

Maddie from Altcoin Buzz, a YouTube channel, recently analyzed this question, presenting arguments for XRP’s long-term potential and its prospects in 2025.

XRP 2024 Price Performance

XRP solidified its position as one of the top cryptocurrencies, surpassing Binance Coin (BNB) to claim the third spot with a market capitalization of $137 billion.

In Q4 alone, XRP’s price soared from $0.49 to over $2.90, a rare feat for large-cap cryptocurrencies. Analysts credit the price surge to Ripple’s strategic initiatives and market optimism following favorable developments in U.S. crypto regulations.

The Trump Factor

With Donald Trump winning the U.S. presidential election, his administration’s potential crypto-friendly policies could greatly benefit Ripple and XRP. Key appointments, such as Paul Atkins as the new SEC chair, signal a friendlier regulatory approach.

Atkins’ prior role on Securitize’s board highlights his support for blockchain innovation, potentially paving the way for Ripple to resolve its legal disputes with the SEC.

The SEC’s earlier court rulings classified XRP’s secondary market sales as non-securities, boosting confidence among institutional investors and retail traders alike.

Ripple’s RLUSD: A Game-Changer?

Ripple recently launched RLUSD, its tokenized version of the U.S. dollar, after securing approval from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). Shortly after, RLUSD’s trading volume surged 170% in a single day, highlighting its growing adoption.

Maddie believes this development marks a significant milestone in Ripple’s vision of enabling seamless cross-border payments. Additionally, many analysts suggest that RLUSD could enhance liquidity for XRP and strengthen its position in the financial sector.

Whale Accumulation Signals Institutional Interest

Maddie also cites the recent uptick in whale accumulation as an indicator of institutional interest in XRP. On-chain data reveals that whales now hold 27% of XRP’s total supply. In November alone, $526 million worth of XRP was acquired by large wallets, reflecting growing institutional interest. XRP’s Fear and Greed Index currently sits at 55, signaling cautious optimism among investors.

Despite market downturns, long-term holders have remained steadfast and are now reaping significant rewards for their loyalty.

Is XRP a Good Buy Now?

While the current market dip has brought XRP back into the “fear” range of the Fear and Greed Index, Maddie argues that this is a positive sign, indicating that XRP is not overbought and still has room for further growth.

For risk-averse investors, Maddie suggests waiting for the final SEC decision or dollar-cost averaging into positions. Meanwhile, 2025 will shape up to be an important year with XRP gaining to capitalize on regulatory clarity and growing adoption.