
XRP’s Remarkable Market Cap Growth and Legal Triumphs
The Surge in XRP’s Market Cap: A 235% Rise
XRP has experienced a dramatic increase in its market capitalization, surging by 235% since the middle of 2023. This impressive growth is primarily attributed to Ripple’s successful legal battles against the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In addition, renewed optimism following the election of President Trump and the anticipation surrounding a potential spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) have contributed to XRP’s recent price surge, pushing it beyond the $2 mark. A proposed settlement in May 2025 aims to officially conclude the protracted legal battle, potentially paving the way for significant institutional investments.
Ripple’s Legal Victories: Setting a New Precedent
The Ripple v. SEC case has been a significant point of interest for the cryptocurrency industry. Since Ripple’s initial legal victory, XRP’s market cap has experienced a substantial boost, reflecting the market’s optimism over increased legal clarity. On July 13, 2023, District Judge Analisa Torres made a landmark ruling, declaring that XRP is not a security when sold to retail investors on public exchanges. This pivotal decision not only marked a turning point for Ripple but also had a profound impact on the entire cryptocurrency sector, which had been closely observing the SEC’s lawsuit since its inception in December 2020.
The Impact of Legal Rulings on XRP’s Market Performance
Following the favorable July 2023 ruling, XRP’s market performance has been exceptional. Research indicates that between July 13, 2023, and May 12, 2025, XRP’s market capitalization grew by an average of $148 million daily. At the time of the decision, XRP was priced at $0.81, with a market cap of $42.35 billion. Fast forward to May 12, 2025, and XRP is trading at $2.43, marking a 200% price increase. The market cap has soared to $141.96 billion, a substantial gain of $99.61 billion, equivalent to $4.53 billion in monthly inflows and $1.04 billion weekly on average.
Other Key Legal Milestones for Ripple
Ripple’s legal journey has been marked by several key victories beyond the initial ruling. In October 2023, the SEC’s attempt to appeal Judge Torres’s decision was thwarted. Furthermore, in April 2024, the court determined that Ripple’s institutional XRP sales did not fully constitute unregistered securities offerings. These rulings contributed to short-term price boosts for XRP.
The Role of Market Sentiment and Political Developments
XRP’s rise has not been driven solely by legal clarity. Broader market sentiment, particularly after the November 2024 U.S. presidential election, played a crucial role. The election of a crypto-friendly administration signified a shift in regulatory attitude, helping XRP surpass the longstanding $1 resistance level. Under President Donald Trump’s administration, the SEC has taken steps to resolve the case. On May 8, 2025, a proposed settlement was submitted to the U.S. District Court, involving a $50 million payment from Ripple to the SEC and the return of $75 million in escrowed funds to the company. The agreement also seeks to lift an injunction against Ripple, paving the way for the dismissal of appeals from both parties, including Ripple’s challenge to the fine.
Potential for Increased Institutional Investment in XRP
As the legal case approaches its conclusion, many market observers anticipate a surge in capital inflows into XRP. Hopes are high that the SEC might soon approve a spot XRP ETF. Notably, in late April, the agency extended its review of Franklin Templeton’s spot XRP ETF application to June 17, 2025, a move analysts view as procedural. Should the ETF receive approval, it could attract significant institutional interest and potentially drive a price reaction reminiscent of Bitcoin’s (BTC) post-ETF surge. Meanwhile, the SEC has until mid-October to make decisions on other pending applications.
Conclusion
XRP’s journey through legal challenges and market fluctuations highlights the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency landscape. With significant legal victories under its belt and the potential for increased institutional interest, XRP stands poised for continued growth and success in the evolving crypto market.
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