XRP's Path Forward: Three Major Catalysts Shaping Its Future in 2025

A Year of Volatility for the Altcoin

After dominating headlines throughout the early months of 2025, XRP has experienced a sharp reversal. The token reached $3.65 in July—a 52-week peak that suggested continued momentum for the remainder of the year. However, the subsequent 90 days tell a different story. XRP now trades around $1.86, representing a significant pullback from its mid-year highs. More notably, the cryptocurrency has lagged considerably behind major peers like Bitcoin and Ethereum during this period, prompting investors to reassess their positions.

For those considering a $1,000 investment in XRP, understanding the potential drivers of future price movement is essential. Several emerging catalysts could reshape the token’s trajectory before year-end.

The Treasury Company Revolution

Perhaps the most intriguing development has been the emergence of dedicated digital asset treasury firms focused exclusively on accumulating XRP. These companies operate similarly to Bitcoin and Ethereum treasury entities—functioning as structural buyers that create sustained demand for the token.

VivoPower International made headlines in May when it announced plans to raise $121 million specifically to acquire XRP for its corporate balance sheet. This sparked a wave of similar initiatives, with numerous firms raising tens of millions of dollars for the same purpose.

The most significant player is Evernorth, a newly public company backed by Ripple (the organization behind XRP) and Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen. Evernorth has secured $1 billion in external commitments dedicated to XRP purchases. This represents a fundamental shift—rather than relying solely on retail or institutional traders, XRP now has institutional accumulators functioning as permanent sources of demand.

Regulatory Approvals and ETF Infrastructure

The anticipated launch of spot XRP exchange-traded funds represents another critical catalyst. Multiple investment firms—including Grayscale, Bitwise, and WisdomTree—have submitted SEC applications for these products. Originally expected for mid-October approval, regulatory delays caused by federal government operations have postponed this timeline.

The historical precedent is instructive: when spot Bitcoin ETFs launched in January 2024, the cryptocurrency experienced substantial price appreciation. Investors expected similar dynamics for XRP, given its institutional credibility relative to other altcoins.

ETF approval serves a dual purpose—it streamlines market access for traditional investors and signals regulatory acceptance, often triggering renewed buying pressure. Until these products are available, a portion of institutional capital remains on the sidelines.

Banking Infrastructure Integration: The Long-term Prize

Perhaps the most consequential—though uncertain—development involves potential XRP integration with SWIFT, the global financial network facilitating international bank transfers and cross-border payments. During a June company event, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse suggested XRP could potentially handle 14% of global SWIFT transaction volume within five years. Given that trillions flow through SWIFT annually, this represents an enormous addressable market.

However, caution is warranted. SWIFT has publicly stated that XRP is not the sole blockchain network under consideration for integration. Additionally, the rise of dollar-pegged stablecoins as alternative mechanisms for cross-border settlement adds complexity to this narrative.

Market Expectations and Price Targets

Prediction markets currently assign XRP a 31% probability of reaching $3.75 before 2025 closes—translating to approximately 50% upside from current $1.86 levels. Standard Chartered’s earlier $5.50 forecast now appears overly optimistic given market dynamics.

Positioning for 2025’s Final Quarter

For investors asking what can you buy XRP on and how to proceed, the answer depends on risk tolerance. Multiple platforms offer XRP trading, making acquisition straightforward. The token presents compelling upside scenarios if any combination of these catalysts materializes—ETF approvals restart, treasury companies accelerate purchases, or SWIFT integration discussions advance.

However, the reverse is equally true. Delayed approvals, slowing institutional accumulation, or banking sector skepticism could extend the current consolidation phase.

The fundamental question remains: can these three catalysts overcome near-term headwinds? For those willing to accept volatility and maintain a longer investment horizon, XRP’s remaining months in 2025 offer interesting possibilities.