XRP, the cryptocurrency associated with Ripple, is experiencing renewed investor interest as it trades between $1.80 and $1.88. This is considerably lower than its all-time high of $3.84, reached in January 2018. According to crypto analyst Santiago R Santos, Ripple’s centralized strategy positions it favorably against its competitors in the crypto market, suggesting that it may have a greater likelihood of reclaiming its past peak than Ethereum.
Santos, in a recent discussion, underscored that XRP holds a fully diluted valuation of approximately $188 billion. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the broader market through 2026 but believes that Ripple’s business model allows it to continue executing effectively during downturns. His perspective suggests that while many cryptocurrencies may falter, Ripple has a strong chance to thrive and possibly reach its historical highs.
The analyst attributed Ripple’s robust performance amid adversity to its structured approach to product strategy. He expressed skepticism about Ethereum’s decentralized model, stating, “Decentralized product strategy in BD does not work. Decentralized security but centralized product decision-making is the way to win.” Santos criticized Ethereum’s valuation, questioning its alignment with practical use cases, while asserting that Ripple’s market cap offers room for growth, especially compared to major financial firms like Visa.
Another factor contributing to the positive outlook for XRP is Ripple’s strategic use of its currency for acquisitions and product distribution. Santos noted that Ripple is in a unique position to leverage its cryptocurrency to buy real businesses, thereby expanding its operational capabilities further. He highlighted the company’s progress with its RLUSD stablecoin, which achieved significant milestones by completing its operational rollout and reaching a market capitalization exceeding $1 billion by November 2025.
Ripple has partnered with BNY Mellon to serve as a custodian for RLUSD’s reserves and secured listings on various major exchanges. Additionally, collaborations with fintech firms such as Yellow Card, VALR, and Chipper Cash have enhanced its presence in Africa. Ripple’s pilot initiatives with Mastercard and WebBank aim to incorporate RLUSD into traditional payment systems, further solidifying its market strategy and potential for growth.
In summary, the combination of Ripple’s centralized decision-making, strategic partnerships, and innovative product offerings positions it favorably to navigate the complexities of the crypto landscape, suggesting a promising future for XRP investors.
