Ripple's XRP cryptocurrency has been a topic of interest in the crypto community, but its value has not been reflected in the market YET. Despite its growing use, Ripple's liquidity and integration capabilities mean that most companies DO NOT need to buy XRP to use Ripple's services. As a result, retail investors currently set the price of XRP on exchanges.
However, Ripple's long-term strategy is to increase liquidity and usage in corridors, which will make XRP more valuable and desirable. Ripple is targeting treasuries, cross-border remittances, and liquidity, which suggests that we may see larger "chunked" transactions moving forward.
Ripple's XRP is not a short-term investment, but rather a long game that aims to capture as much global value as possible. The success of XRP is crucial for Ripple's credibility with major institutional investors as well as regulatory athorities such as the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and BIS (Bank of International Settlements). The XRPL works just fine at low prices and volumes in sticky corridors, which is why it will grow gradually. As more embedded value enters the ledger, demand should increase, and the price will rise.
While there is no "switch" to throw to raise XRP's price, Ripple is focusing on building corridors for liquidity to be added gradually. Retail investors should not expect to shock the price up with good volume, but the potential for a major player like a government or Amazon to buy in could be explosive.
One potential use case for Ripple's XRP cryptocurrency, that could effect the price exponentially, is in the bridging of different Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). As more and more countries explore the possibility of launching their own digital currencies, the need for interoperability between them will become increasingly important. XRP's fast transaction times and low fees make it an attractive option for facilitating cross-border CBDC transactions. Additionally, Ripple's partnerships with central banks and financial institutions around the world position it well to take advantage of this potential use case. While it remains to be seen how CBDCs will ultimately be integrated into the global financial system, the potential for XRP to play a key role in this process is certainly worth considering, and would drastically effect the price.
Furthermore, the common perception that XRP needs to be at a higher price to work is incorrect. XRP is currently working just fine, and Ripple's Chief Technical Officer David Schwartz's $30 comment was not about a strategy, but rather an implication that a higher price point would be useful for global transactions.
The XRP Ledger, like other blockchain networks, relies on a decentralized network of nodes to validate and secure transactions. Currently, there are 667 nodes actively participating in this process, each contributing to the network's overall security and resilience. These nodes work together to produce blocks at a rapid pace, with a new block being generated every 3.5 seconds, regardless of weekends or holidays. This means that transactions can be processed quickly and efficiently, without the need for intermediaries or third-party gatekeepers. With a robust and active network of nodes, the XRP Ledger is well-equipped to handle large volumes of transactions and continue to grow in popularity as a reliable and efficient blockchain platform.
Investing in Ripple's XRP requires a long-term perspective and patience. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve and mature, XRP is positioning itself to be a key player in the global financial system. Ripple's partnerships with major financial institutions and its focus on building liquidity are evidence of the company's commitment to the long-term success of XRP. While its value may not see significant short-term gains, the potential for growth over the long-term is substantial. The XRP Ledger's fast transaction times and low fees make it an attractive option for cross-border transactions and the bridging of different digital currencies. Additionally, the network of nodes actively securing the XRP Ledger ensures its reliability and security. In conclusion, Ripple's XRP is a sound long-term investment opportunity that has the potential to become a cornerstone of the global financial system in the years to come.