XRP News Today: XRP's Institutional Push Challenges Google’s New Blockchain Play

Ripple's XRP has seen renewed attention as it approaches the $3.00 mark, fueled by increased clarity from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and growing institutional adoption. The XRP Ledger (XRPL) has attracted over 300 financial institutions, which utilize it for cross-border payments and settlement. This expansion has generated optimism among investors, with some analysts and AI models suggesting that XRP could reach $5.00 or higher by December 2025. The recent approval of XRP-related exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and potential regulatory clarity could serve as catalysts for a price surge. Ripple’s push for a U.S. national bank charter also underscores its commitment to aligning with traditional financial systems, further solidifying XRP’s credibility in the institutional space.

The growing adoption of Ripple’s dollar-backed stablecoin, RLUSD, has also played a role in bolstering XRP’s utility. With a market cap exceeding $700 million, RLUSD’s use in cross-border transactions contributes to the XRP Ledger’s activity. Ripple has recently expanded its partnerships in Africa, collaborating with companies like Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card. These strategic moves are expected to drive greater adoption of XRP-based solutions and reinforce its role in facilitating low-cost, high-speed transactions. The increasing transaction volume and institutional use of the XRP Ledger suggest that XRP’s value is becoming less speculative and more tied to its real-world applications.

AI models have offered varying predictions for XRP’s price in the coming months. ChatGPT from OpenAI suggests a conservative price target of $5 to $7 by December 2025, assuming ETF approvals but potential delays in Ripple securing its bank charter. In a more bullish scenario where both ETF and charter approvals materialize, ChatGPT anticipates a price range of $10 to $15. In contrast, Google Gemini projects a more restrained outlook, estimating that XRP could rise to $4.48 with ETF approval alone and potentially reach $5.60 with additional regulatory and partnership progress. These projections, while optimistic, are hypothetical and do not guarantee future outcomes.

Despite the positive developments, XRP remains a volatile asset. Experts caution that significant price swings are expected, particularly as regulatory and market conditions continue to evolve. Digital asset strategist Zach Rector, who holds over 90% of his portfolio in XRP, has warned of sharp corrections even during bullish phases. For instance, a drop from $3.66 to $2.72 in a short period could be a precursor to even more dramatic fluctuations. However, long-term holders appear undeterred, with many viewing XRP as a long-term investment rather than a short-term trade. Rector emphasized that the key is establishing a higher floor for XRP’s value, which could shift the conversation from speculative trading to sustained institutional adoption.

In a broader context, XRP’s trajectory is shaped by competition within the blockchain space. Google recently launched its Cloud Universal Ledger (GCUL), a private, permissioned blockchain aimed at cross-border payments. Unlike the public XRP Ledger, GCUL relies on stablecoins and may offer a perceived advantage in terms of risk and liability for financial institutions. While GCUL is still in beta and not expected to launch until 2026, its emergence highlights the growing interest in blockchain-based financial solutions and the potential for XRP to face new competition. However, the XRP Ledger’s decade-long track record and widespread adoption among institutions provide a significant first-mover advantage.

As XRP continues to gain momentum, the coming months will be critical in determining whether it can sustain a move toward $3.00 or even break above $5.00. The success of Ripple’s regulatory and partnership initiatives, along with the broader market’s acceptance of XRP-based solutions, will play a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory. While price forecasts are speculative, the underlying fundamentals of XRP—its utility in cross-border payments, growing institutional adoption, and regulatory progress—suggest that the asset is well-positioned for a potential surge in value.

Source: [1] Is Google Developing an XRP Killer? (https://www.fool.com/investing/2025/09/05/is-google-developing-an-xrp-killer/) [2] Here's Where XRP Could Trade by December 2025 (https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/09/05/heres-where-xrp-could-trade-by-december-2025/) [3] XRP Price Prediction: Is Triple-Digit Target Incoming? (https://coinpedia.org/news/xrp-price-prediction-is-triple-digit-target-incoming/)