XRP News Today: Ripple's IPO Timing Dependent on Market Conditions Says Attorney

Prominent attorney and long-time XRP advocate John Deaton has provided new commentary on the prospects of Ripple going public, suggesting that timing could play a crucial role in the company’s decision-making process. In a tweet posted on X, Deaton referenced earlier remarks from Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, who has previously indicated that Ripple is not in a rush to pursue an initial public offering. Deaton affirmed that Ripple does not have a pressing need to raise capital through public markets, which is a conventional reason for companies to pursue an IPO. However, he emphasized that market timing remains a key strategic consideration.

Deaton drew comparisons between Ripple and Circle, the issuer of USDC. He cited the potential market cap range of $62 billion to $75 billion for Circle and implied that Ripple, holding nearly 40 billion XRP, could achieve a market capitalization of $100 billion. Deaton’s estimate was based on the current value of XRP at approximately $2 per token, translating to $80 billion in assets if Ripple’s XRP holdings are considered. His tweet conveyed that Ripple’s scale and positioning could support a valuation in that range under favorable market conditions.

Several X users replied to Deaton’s post with their interpretations of Ripple’s IPO pathway. One user, Stratlonesoldier, noted that once Ripple’s legal matters with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission are resolved, the company might consider going public not only for capital but also for reputation, governance, and strategic clarity, especially given its large XRP holdings. Another user, Hillary’s Snuke, offered a more critical viewpoint, suggesting that Ripple’s capital position may be attributed to selling XRP rather than operational revenues. This post implied skepticism regarding Ripple’s motivation to avoid raising capital, instead pointing to token sales as a source of funding.

User DannyXRP responded with concerns about the potential consequences of Ripple becoming a publicly traded company. He warned that going public could invite increased influence from institutional investors, including traditional banking entities. He argued that such developments could compromise the company’s independence and criticized the hypothetical involvement of banks in Ripple’s governance. Instead, he proposed that Ripple remain a private entity and even evolve into a bank itself, thereby avoiding external pressures and preserving its direction and autonomy.

The overall context of Deaton’s comments centers around Ripple’s ongoing legal entanglements with the SEC, which many observers view as a limiting factor in its public market ambitions. Deaton did not speculate on a specific timeline for an IPO, nor did he claim such a move was imminent. Rather, he highlighted the strategic considerations at play, particularly regarding market conditions, competitive comparisons, and the substantial value Ripple holds in XRP reserves. While Garlinghouse has stated that Ripple is not actively pursuing an IPO at this time, Deaton’s remarks suggest that the company’s leadership may still be evaluating the timing and benefits of such a move.