XRP News Today: SBI CEO Backs XRP Price Surge Amid Legal Closure and Strategic Holdings

SBI Holdings’ CEO, Yoshitaka Kitao, has generated considerable buzz in the cryptocurrency market after making a strong bullish statement on XRP in a video recently shared by crypto commentator John Squire on X. In the clip, Kitao asserted that “$XRP will reach a very high price,” emphasizing that his comments are not speculative but rooted in strategic positioning. Squire highlighted that Kitao “isn’t speculating, he’s in the room where it happens,” drawing attention to the significance of the remarks from a major stakeholder in Ripple [1].

SBI’s involvement in Ripple is far from passive. In June 2025, the Japanese financial giant disclosed it holds roughly 9% of Ripple’s shares, making it the largest external shareholder [1]. Kitao reiterated in the video that a significant increase in XRP’s value would directly benefit SBI through realized gains or by boosting the company’s balance sheet. Beyond equity ownership, SBI has also integrated XRP into its services, including remittance platforms and through joint ventures such as SBI Ripple Asia, reinforcing the firm’s operational alignment with Ripple’s ecosystem [1].

The timing of Kitao’s remarks is crucial. In early August 2025, Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed to dismiss their appeals, effectively concluding the protracted legal battle. This development removes a long-standing cloud of regulatory uncertainty that had previously constrained XRP’s growth. Although Ripple is still subject to the original injunction and a $125 million civil penalty, the broader legal dispute is now behind it, potentially paving the way for increased institutional interest and expanded use cases [1].

Analysts have interpreted Kitao’s comments as a signal that XRP could see renewed adoption and institutional participation. Legal clarity may lead to the reintroduction of XRP on major exchanges and greater traction in cross-border payments. However, challenges remain, including the existing injunction, which still limits certain institutional sales, and broader macroeconomic factors that could influence the token’s performance [1].

SBI has also noted that a large portion of its exposure to Ripple is not yet reflected in its financial statements, suggesting that a significant corporate event—such as an IPO or strategic token management move—could unlock further value [1]. Kitao’s comments, therefore, are not speculative but reflect a stakeholder’s strategic outlook, given SBI’s deep financial and operational ties to Ripple.

While Kitao’s bullish outlook has injected optimism into the XRP market, investors should treat his remarks as forward-looking statements. The realization of XRP reaching a “very high price” will depend on how quickly adoption, liquidity, and institutional confidence return to the ecosystem.

[1] Source: [1] "SBI CEO Drops Bombshell On XRP Price Rally Potential" (https://timestabloid.com/sbi-ceo-drops-bombshell-on-xrp-price-rally-potential/)