"24 times stronger than Bitcoin"...XRP, 350x historical surge with $3 billion bet

▲ XRP/AI-generated image

Based on its past performance of recording higher returns compared to Bitcoin (BTC), XRP has laid the foundation for price increases through Ripple's large-scale infrastructure investments.

According to crypto media outlet NewsBTC on April 29 (local time), crypto expert SMQKE stated that XRP holders should pay attention to the asset's historical price surge and Ripple's strategic moves. SMQKE mentioned that between 2017 and 2018, while Bitcoin rose 14 times and Ethereum (ETH) rose 100 times, XRP recorded a return of approximately 350 times. This suggests that XRP's price increase rate was about 24 times higher than Bitcoin's at the time.

If past growth was driven by initial network momentum, the current key driver is the construction of institutional-grade infrastructure worth $3 billion. Ripple has continuously strengthened its foundation through strategic acquisitions since 2017. In 2023, it invested $250 million to acquire Metaco, a custody service provider used by large banks. In 2024, it acquired Standard Custody, a trust service provider approved by New York regulators, thereby strengthening its connection with institutional finance.

Last year, Ripple also laid the groundwork for an increase in XRP's value through aggressive mergers and acquisitions. It acquired Hidden Road, a prime brokerage firm that processes trillions of dollars annually, for $1.25 billion and rebranded it as Ripple Prime. It also successively acquired the stablecoin payment platform Rail, the treasury management platform GTreasury, and the custody service provider Palisade, building an integrated financial solution.

Former Ripple executive Marcus Treacher evaluated XRP not as a speculative asset but as a long-term tool for the future. Treacher emphasized that once innovation in the global payment system is achieved, other factors will naturally fall into place. The possibility of XRP being integrated into major financial networks such as SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication), FedNow, and DTCC (Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation) is also being raised.

The key factor determining XRP's current price is not news but its actual utility. SMQKE predicted that as utility expands, the price will increase significantly. Increased adoption driven by infrastructure expansion will be the key driver for XRP's long-term value appreciation.

*Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only, and we are not responsible for investment losses based on it. The content should be interpreted for informational purposes only.*