"24 times stronger than Bitcoin"...XRP, a history of 350x surge and a $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 massive 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, when Bitcoin surged 14 times and Ethereum (ETH) surged 100 times, XRP recorded a return of approximately 350 times. This suggests that XRP's price increase rate at the time was about 24 times higher than Bitcoin's.

While past growth was attributed to early network momentum, the key driving force now 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. Additionally, it consecutively acquired stablecoin payment platform Rail, treasury management platform GTreasury, and custody service provider Palisade, building an integrated financial solution.

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

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

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