The cryptocurrency world is buzzing with anticipation as Ripple prepares to launch its native stablecoin, RLUSD, sparking renewed optimism around XRP’s long-term price potential. In a recent video analysis, crypto influencer Levi Rietveld made a bold claim: the convergence of regulatory progress and the RLUSD rollout could drive XRP to $10—a significant leap from current levels.
Levi’s commentary comes amid growing momentum for Ripple, both legally and technologically. With new developments in regulatory clarity and tangible infrastructure upgrades on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), investors are beginning to reassess XRP’s role in the broader crypto ecosystem.
👉 Discover how emerging blockchain innovations are reshaping digital asset markets.
Regulatory Clarity Boosts Market Confidence
One of the most pivotal factors influencing XRP’s trajectory is the evolving regulatory landscape. Levi highlighted a key moment during a recent SEC Congressional hearing, where Commissioner Hester Peirce openly acknowledged the lack of clear crypto regulations within the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
This admission marks a turning point. For years, uncertainty surrounding XRP’s classification as a security has weighed on investor sentiment. But with growing bipartisan criticism of SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s enforcement-heavy approach—and political figures like Donald Trump vowing to remove him if elected—market participants see an opening for reform.
Ripple has already begun capitalizing on this shift. While legal challenges persist, the company continues to advance its product roadmap, most notably with the development of RLUSD. The fact that Ripple is minting millions of RLUSD tokens during its beta phase, with data now listed on platforms like CoinGecko, signals strong institutional confidence.
What Is RLUSD and Why Does It Matter?
At first glance, launching a stablecoin might seem unrelated to XRP’s price performance. After all, RLUSD is pegged to the U.S. dollar, while XRP is a volatile digital asset. However, Levi emphasizes that their relationship is deeply symbiotic.
RLUSD (Ripple’s U.S. Dollar Stablecoin) is designed to operate natively on the XRP Ledger. Unlike third-party stablecoins such as USDT or USDC, which run on competing blockchains, RLUSD is built directly into Ripple’s infrastructure. This integration brings several strategic advantages:
- Enhanced liquidity on the XRPL
- Lower transaction costs and faster settlement times
- Greater control over compliance and issuance
For institutions that have previously hesitated to adopt XRP due to regulatory ambiguity, RLUSD offers a compliant, efficient alternative for cross-border payments and liquidity management—all within Ripple’s trusted ecosystem.
👉 See how next-generation financial infrastructure is unlocking new investment opportunities.
The Stablecoin Opportunity: Tapping Into a $150B+ Market
The global stablecoin market is massive—valued at over $150 billion and growing steadily. These digital dollars are essential for trading, lending, remittances, and decentralized finance (DeFi). Currently, a handful of players dominate the space, but there's room for innovation.
Levi believes RLUSD can capture meaningful market share by leveraging Ripple’s existing partnerships with banks and payment providers across 50+ countries. As more institutions begin using RLUSD for real-world transactions, the demand for XRP as a utility asset will rise.
Why? Because XRP plays a crucial role in facilitating liquidity across networks. When institutions move large volumes of RLUSD across borders, they may use XRP as a bridge currency to minimize slippage and reduce reliance on correspondent banking.
Moreover, increased activity on the XRPL—driven by RLUSD usage—means more transaction fees paid in XRP and greater network effects. This creates a flywheel effect: more usage → more value accrual → higher demand → upward price pressure.
Complementary Roles: RLUSD and XRP Work Together
A common misconception is that RLUSD could replace XRP. That’s not the case. As Monica Long, President of Ripple, clarified, RLUSD and XRP serve different functions within the payment stack.
- RLUSD = Digital dollar for stable value transfer
- XRP = Native cryptocurrency for liquidity and bridging assets
Ripple’s CTO has also confirmed that XRP will not be replaced by RLUSD. Instead, both assets will coexist and reinforce each other. In fact, widespread RLUSD adoption could increase the number of wallets holding XRP, simply because users need XRP to pay minimal network fees when transacting on XRPL.
This synergy strengthens XRP’s utility beyond speculation—it becomes a necessary component of a functioning financial network.
Could XRP Reach $10?
Levi’s $10 price target for XRP may sound ambitious, but it’s grounded in projected network growth. If RLUSD gains traction and drives billions in daily trading volume through the XRPL over the next 12–24 months, the implications for XRP are profound.
Consider this:
- Increased institutional adoption
- Higher transaction throughput on XRPL
- Greater demand for XRP as a liquidity tool
- Positive market sentiment fueled by regulatory wins
While short-term volatility remains inevitable—Levi himself warns of a possible market correction—the long-term fundamentals appear stronger than ever.
Historically, XRP has shown explosive growth during periods of positive news flow. A successful RLUSD launch could trigger similar momentum, especially if it leads to listings on major exchanges and integration into DeFi protocols.
👉 Explore platforms where you can monitor real-time digital asset movements and trends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will RLUSD replace XRP?
No. RLUSD and XRP serve different purposes. RLUSD is a stablecoin for value transfer, while XRP acts as a utility token for liquidity and network fees. Ripple leadership has explicitly stated that XRP will not be replaced.
How does RLUSD benefit the XRP Ledger?
RLUSD increases transaction volume, enhances liquidity, and attracts institutional users to XRPL. More activity means more demand for XRP to pay fees and facilitate cross-currency exchanges.
Is RLUSD already live?
As of late 2024, RLUSD is in beta testing. Millions have been minted, and data is being tracked on public platforms like CoinGecko. A full public launch is expected soon.
Can RLUSD compete with USDT and USDC?
It’s not about direct competition—it’s about integration. RLUSD offers native functionality within Ripple’s ecosystem, giving it an edge for cross-border payments and institutional use cases where speed and compliance matter.
What could prevent XRP from reaching $10?
Regulatory setbacks, macroeconomic downturns, or slow adoption of RLUSD could delay or dampen price growth. Additionally, broader crypto market cycles play a significant role in short-term valuations.
Does increased RLUSD usage directly increase XRP’s value?
Not automatically—but indirectly, yes. More RLUSD transactions mean more activity on XRPL, which increases demand for XRP as a utility asset, potentially driving up its price over time.
Final Thoughts
The launch of RLUSD represents more than just another stablecoin entry—it’s a strategic milestone for Ripple and the entire XRP ecosystem. Combined with improving regulatory clarity and growing institutional interest, it sets the stage for transformative growth.
While reaching $10 won’t happen overnight, the infrastructure being built today lays the foundation for tomorrow’s valuation surge. For forward-thinking investors, the convergence of technology, policy, and market dynamics makes XRP one of the most compelling assets to watch in 2025.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed are based on public commentary and analysis and do not reflect any official endorsement. Always conduct independent research before making investment decisions.