Ripple’s co‑founders, Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen, once entertained the idea of winding down the company and handing its XRP holdings to shareholders. That scenario would have effectively turned the token into a dividend‑paying asset, but the decision to fight the 2020 SEC lawsuit kept XRP alive as a tradable asset. For retail holders, this means that the token’s supply and ownership remain largely unchanged, preserving its role in payment networks and its liquidity on exchanges.
The legal battle has kept XRP’s price volatile. With the token trading just above $1 and down nearly 1.7 % in the past day, the market’s fear index sits at 26, signalling a cautious environment. This volatility is compounded by broader crypto sentiment, where Bitcoin and Ethereum have also seen modest declines. Retail investors should therefore be mindful that XRP’s price can swing sharply in response to regulatory news or market sentiment shifts.
Looking ahead, there are signs that XRP could find new momentum, especially if it gains traction in Japan—a country that is increasingly open to crypto‑enabled payments. Additionally, analyst forecasts, such as those from Elon Musk’s Grok AI, suggest a potential upside by the end of 2026. However, these predictions must be weighed against the ongoing legal backdrop and the current fear‑laden market. Staying informed about regulatory developments and monitoring sentiment indicators will be key for anyone holding or considering XRP.