After years of legal uncertainty, Ripple has finally turned a page. The newly released XRP Markets Report for Q1 2025 provides a comprehensive view of Ripple’s post-SEC landscape and reveals an impressive wave of institutional adoption. As the U.S. legal fog clears, Ripple seems ready to position XRP as a foundational layer for global finance.
XRP Price Action: Stable but Stagnant
Despite all the positive headlines, the price of XRP remains quiet. As of May 7, XRP trades at $2.13, hovering near local support. While the token surged earlier in the year, the last few weeks have seen sideways action, with no decisive break above resistance at $2.25. Trading volume is steady but not explosive, suggesting that the market may still be waiting for a major catalyst.
Source: Tradingview
The End of the SEC Lawsuit – And Why It Matters
Ripple’s legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has officially come to an end. The agency has withdrawn its appeal and agreed to settle for $50 million—down from the previously proposed $125 million fine. This signals a clear regulatory win for Ripple and sets a precedent for XRP being treated not as a security in U.S. markets.
This breakthrough removes a significant overhang for institutional investors, many of whom had previously remained on the sidelines due to regulatory ambiguity.
Institutional Expansion: From ETFs to $1.25B Acquisitions
Ripple is clearly not wasting any time. The Q1 report confirms a $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road, a global prime brokerage, marking Ripple’s most aggressive expansion move to date.
Meanwhile, institutional exposure to XRP continues to grow:
- XRP ETFs have already launched in Brazil, with trading volume exceeding expectations.
- Franklin Templeton has filed for a U.S.-based XRP ETF, now pending approval.
- CME Group is preparing to launch XRP futures, adding further legitimacy to the asset’s derivatives market.
Ripple’s official announcement on X (formerly Twitter) reinforced this momentum:
https://x.com/Ripple/status/1919456339094602203
Mixed On-Chain Metrics: Are Retail Users Still Cautious?
While institutional support is rising fast, on-chain activity tells a more nuanced story:
- Transactions on the XRP Ledger fell 37% in Q1.
- New wallet addresses dropped 40% compared to Q4 2024.
- DEX volume on XRPL is also down by 17%.
This may suggest that while large players are accumulating XRP, retail users remain hesitant—perhaps waiting for more clarity or stronger price signals before re-engaging.
Final Thoughts: The Path to $3 and Beyond
Ripple’s strategic execution—ending the SEC battle, acquiring infrastructure, and pushing for ETF expansion—sets the stage for long-term institutional growth. However, without retail participation or a breakout above key resistance, XRP may continue to trade sideways.
Still, if U.S. ETF approval materializes in Q2 or Q3, XRP could quickly shift into a new gear. For now, the foundation has been laid, and those watching closely may see $2.13 as more opportunity than obstacle.
