20 May 2025, 13:45

Forbes Releases Bullish Factors for XRP Price Rally In 2025

As 2025 unfolds, XRP finds itself at the center of critical conversations in the crypto space. The digital asset, which once faced regulatory hurdles and skepticism, is now poised for a possible resurgence, provided key catalysts align in its favor. In a recent analysis by Forbes contributor Zennon Kapron, four major themes are identified as the primary forces that could determine the direction of XRP’s price and market relevance in the coming year. Legal Clarity Could Unlock Market Access Foremost among these themes is the impact of regulation, especially within the U.S. market. XRP’s legal battles with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have long cast a shadow over its performance. However, the saga appears to be nearing its conclusion. Ripple and the SEC have agreed to a reduced penalty of $50 million as part of a final settlement, a far cry from the regulator’s original demands. Despite the judge recently postponing formal approval of the agreement due to procedural issues, Ripple’s chief legal officer has assured the community that this delay does not affect the settlement itself or the company’s previous legal victories. Notably, in 2023, the court determined that XRP is not a security when sold on exchanges—a ruling that sparked a 100% price surge within hours. With the last legal hurdles nearing resolution, investor optimism is growing, and many believe that full regulatory clarity could reignite institutional interest and unlock XRP’s reentry into the U.S. financial ecosystem. Utility and Institutional Demand Hold the Key Beyond the courtroom, XRP’s real-world value proposition is under scrutiny. Kapron emphasized that institutional integration, not retail hype, will be the key to XRP’s sustained relevance. Ripple has long promoted the use of XRP in cross-border transactions through Ripple Payments (formerly known as On-Demand Liquidity), offering a streamlined solution that leverages XRP as a bridge currency between fiat pairs. Yet the ecosystem is evolving. Ripple recently introduced RLUSD, a USD-backed stablecoin, giving institutions the flexibility to choose between XRP and a stablecoin alternative. While this move broadens the utility of Ripple’s payment solutions, it has also sparked debate among community members who fear that XRP’s utility may be relegated to a peripheral role. The long-term impact will largely depend on how many financial entities opt to incorporate XRP directly into their settlement flows. Staying Competitive in a Crowded Tech Landscape On the technological front, XRP’s once-distinct advantages—low costs and fast settlement—are no longer rare in the blockchain space. Competing platforms and Layer-2 solutions are narrowing the performance gap, raising pressure on Ripple to innovate. Kapron’s report stresses that continual technical enhancements will be essential if XRP is to maintain a competitive edge. Future success, according to the analysis, hinges on the deployment of protocol upgrades that improve scalability, enhance privacy features, and enable interoperability with other blockchain ecosystems. Interchain connectivity is becoming increasingly important as the industry shifts toward modular and cross-network architectures. For XRP to remain a viable settlement asset, its underlying infrastructure must evolve in lockstep with broader industry trends. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 ETF Developments Signal Growing Institutional Appetite Another significant factor in XRP’s 2025 outlook is the emergence of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Brazil recently became the first country to launch an XRP ETF, a milestone that reflects growing institutional interest in structured investment products centered around the asset. In the U.S., the conversation is gaining traction, with over 10 XRP spot ETF applications currently under SEC review. Grayscale’s application is among the most closely watched, with a decision expected soon. Meanwhile, XRP-linked leveraged ETFs have already been approved and are attracting notable trading volume, suggesting that appetite for exposure to XRP is growing among professional investors. Should the SEC greenlight one or more spot ETFs, it could significantly boost liquidity and elevate XRP’s profile in traditional financial circles. A Pivotal Year Ahead The Forbes report ultimately concludes that speculation alone will no longer carry XRP. The digital asset’s long-term viability will be judged on metrics of adoption, technological competitiveness, and regulatory alignment. If Ripple can successfully convert its broad network of partnerships into active, on-chain use of XRP, the token may yet witness a renaissance. However, if the broader ecosystem gravitates toward stablecoins or alternative settlement networks, XRP could risk slipping further out of the spotlight. As 2025 progresses , all eyes will be on how Ripple navigates this transitional period, where opportunity and risk are in delicate balance. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Forbes Releases Bullish Factors for XRP Price Rally In 2025 appeared first on Times Tabloid .

20 May 2025, 13:26

Circle cofounder raises $18M for AI-native banking startup Catena Labs

Circle cofounder Sean Neville’s new venture, Catena Labs, has raised $18 million to build an AI-native bank. On May 20, Circle cofounder Sean Neville announced that his startup Catena Labs has raised $18 million in a seed funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto division, as originally reported by Fortune. Other investors include Breyer Capital, Circle Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and NFL legend Tom Brady. The funding deal included equity and token warrants—rights to a future crypto that the company has not yet released. Neville, who cofounded Circle , the issuer of the second-biggest stablecoin by market cap USDC Coin ( USDC ), remains on the company’s board but left his operational role in early 2020. Since then, he’s been quietly working on Catena Labs, alongside cofounder Matt Venables, formerly a senior engineering executive at Circle. Catena Labs grew out of a venture studio the two launched in 2021 to explore emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and decentralized identity. In 2023, following the rapid rise of AI apps like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the team committed fully to building infrastructure tailored to AI-driven finance. Catena Labs represents that commitment—a vision for an “AI-native bank” built for a future where financial transactions are increasingly managed by AI agents . According to Neville, Catena Labs is developing software that integrates AI with financial systems, focusing on payment automation and digital identity protocols. You might also like: USDC issuer Circle officially files for IPO Though the company hasn’t detailed a full product roadmap, it has built an open-source protocol for AI-powered payments and identity verification. “You should be able to meet your financial advisor and your banker everywhere you want to be,” Neville told Fortune. Neville explained that while the system may incorporate blockchain and stablecoins where useful, it won’t be defined by them. The startup, which currently has a team of nine, remains in early stages, with no announced timeline for product release or token launch. Neville declined to disclose the company’s valuation. The development of Catena Labs comes amid speculation that Circle, Neville’s former company, could be acquired by Coinbase, which co-founded USDC and remains deeply intertwined with Circle’s operations. While IPO plans are still active, Circle has reportedly engaged in informal sale talks and is seeking a $5 billion valuation. You might also like: Circle considering sale to Coinbase or Ripple amid IPO: report