XRP (XRP) Price Prediction: What Happens to the Crypto Asset After the SEC Lawsuit?

In an interview with the Paul Barron Network, Bitwise Chief Investment Officer (CIO) Matt Hougan expressed his perspective on the long-debated regulatory battle surrounding XRP

A crypto asset that has been largely written off by a part of the market and largely ignored by the broader market could be in line for a sharp market correction if the U.S. legal uncertainties are cleared, according to Bitwise Chief Investment Officer (CIO) Matt Hougan.

A crypto asset that has been largely written off by a part of the market and largely ignored by the broader market could be in line for a sharp market correction if the U.S. legal uncertainties are cleared, according to Bitwise Chief Investment Officer (CIO) Matt Hougan.

In an interview with the Paul Barron Network, Hougan offered his take on the regulatory battle that has unfolded over several years, particularly with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Since 2020, the SEC has been engaged in a lawsuit against Ripple Labs, the company behind XRP, alleging the company conducted an unregistered securities offering.

The lawsuit has had a significant impact on XRP, leading to its delisting from several major exchanges in the past.

The lawsuit has had a significant impact on XRP, leading to its delisting from several major exchanges in the past.

The lawsuit is now set to conclude by April 16, according to Barron, and market participants are speculating on what will happen next with the token, especially considering its minimal presence in the U.S. crypto ecosystem.

One of the key takeaways from Hougan’s analysis is that XRP remains an unknown variable in the broader crypto landscape. Unlike Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), which have seen major adoption and institutional inflows, XRP has remained stagnant due to regulatory overhang.

One of the key takeaways from Hougan’s analysis is that XRP remains an unknown variable in the broader crypto landscape. Unlike Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), which have seen major adoption and institutional inflows, XRP has remained stagnant due to regulatory overhang.

If the lawsuit concludes with clarity that allows for full U.S. adoption, then the true potential of XRP in global finance could be realized.

“The reality is, XRP has been suppressed by litigation for multiple years, and we don’t yet know what it can do on the global stage when it’s freed from those restraints,” Hougan said.

While Hougan did not make any price predictions, he did note that institutional and retail sentiment could change quickly if XRP gains renewed regulatory approval in the U.S.

The discussion also touched upon Japan’s deep integration of XRP, particularly with SBI Holdings spearheading the move into digital banking. As noted in the interview, XRP has now overtaken Ethereum in Japanese investor holdings, showcasing strong institutional confidence.

Paul Barron noted that Japan’s approach could be a preview of global adoption: “SBI seems to be doing with XRP what Michael Saylor did with Bitcoin—strategically accumulating and positioning it for long-term institutional use.”

In response, Hougan agreed, adding that XRP’s role in international remittances and liquidity solutions is often underestimated, and the ongoing legal case has prevented a complete assessment of its utility-driven demand.

Another major topic was the possibility of an spot XRP exchange-traded fund. While Hougan did not disclose details of Bitwise’s ETF filing and its progress with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), he expressed the firm’s commitment.

“We don’t file for ETPs for fun. We file for them because we think they can launch, and we think there is a significant audience, and we think it’s an important asset,” Hougan said.

Although some analysts believe that XRP’s legal troubles have already been priced into the market, Hougan’s comments suggest that the potential upside is largely disregarded by the broader market.

Although some analysts believe that XRP’s legal troubles have already been priced into the market, Hougan’s comments suggest that the potential upside is largely disregarded by the broader market.

If the SEC case concludes favorably, leading to the re-listing of XRP on major U.S. exchanges, new institutional flows, and expanded adoption in banking systems, then the market could quickly begin to re-price the asset.

“There’s no guarantee XRP will be enormously successful, but there’s equally no guarantee that it won’t be,” Hougan concluded.

At press time, XRP traded at $2.12.