Forbes Calls XRP a Different Beast Now: Here’s What Changed

TLDR

• Forbes has completely reversed its stance on XRP and now calls it a $180 billion reinvention.
• XRP has surged 366% in the past year and its market capitalization now exceeds $150 billion.
• Ripple’s private market valuation has tripled to between $22 billion and $30 billion in 2024.
• The company settled its five-year legal battle with the SEC for $125 million.
• Ripple spent over $2.7 billion on strategic acquisitions including GTreasury and Hidden Road.

Forbes has significantly altered its stance on XRP and Ripple in recent months. The publication now describes the company as a “$180 billion reinvention” after previously labeling it a “zombie blockchain.” XRP has surged 366% in the past year while Ripple’s valuation has tripled to $30 billion.

Ripple’s Market Position Strengthens After SEC Settlement

Ripple ended its five-year legal battle with the SEC through a $125 million settlement. The resolution removed regulatory barriers that had previously limited the company’s growth. Ripple moved quickly after the settlement to expand its business operations.

The company completed several major acquisitions to strengthen its market position. GTreasury cost $1 billion while Hidden Road required $1.25 billion for the purchase. Rail and Metaco added $200 million and $250 million, respectively to the spending total.

These purchases pushed Ripple into treasury management and prime brokerage services. The move positions Ripple against established competitors like Coinbase and Circle. Forbes now views Ripple as a financial services conglomerate rather than a payment token issuer.

XRP has benefited from the company’s transformation and improved regulatory standing. The token’s market capitalization now exceeds $150 billion after strong price gains. Institutional demand has grown as firms like Evernorth adopt XRP for treasury strategies.

XRP Adoption Grows Among Corporate Treasuries

Forbes reports that XRP adoption is driven by real demand rather than speculation alone. Multiple companies are now integrating XRP into their treasury management systems. This represents a significant shift from the period when Ripple faced regulatory challenges.

Ripple’s private market valuation currently stands between $22 billion and $30 billion. The company’s value now approaches Circle’s market capitalization, following previous acquisition attempts that failed. Ripple had tried to buy Circle before the stablecoin issuer went public.

Industry analysts compare Ripple to major cryptocurrency financial institutions, rather than blockchain projects. Commentator Joe Naggar says the company demonstrates capital discipline and clearer leadership now. The expanding portfolio demonstrates improved coordination across different business units compared to before.

The XRP Ledger still trails other networks in terms of developer activity and mainstream application usage. Forbes says Ripple must prove that rapid expansion strengthens XRP Ledger infrastructure effectively. The company needs to avoid creating isolated business units without proper connections.

Critics now acknowledge that Ripple operates differently than it did one year ago. The company acts like the multibillion-dollar player that its valuation suggests it should be. XRP and its parent company have transformed from struggling assets to growing financial entities.

Standard Custody represents another acquisition that Ripple completed for an undisclosed amount. These deals move Ripple into custody services alongside its existing payment technology offerings. The company builds a unified ecosystem for institutional clients through these strategic purchases.

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