24-6-2025 – Speculation is swirling across online forums and crypto circles about the possibility of Ripple, the blockchain payments giant, gearing up for an initial public offering (IPO), with fervent debate over what this could mean for the value of its associated cryptocurrency, XRP. Despite Ripple’s leadership, including chief executive Brad Garlinghouse and president Monica Long, firmly stating that no IPO is on the horizon for 2025, the company’s recent manoeuvres suggest it may be laying the groundwork for a future listing.
Strategic share buybacks and acquisitions fuel theories
Ripple has been making bold strides that have caught the eye of industry observers. A hefty $700 million share buyback programme, alongside the recruitment of specialists in corporate development and investor relations, points to a company sharpening its strategic focus. Its acquisition spree, including a $1.25 billion purchase of prime brokerage firm Hidden Road and a $250 million deal for custody provider Metaco, underscores ambitions for robust, long-term expansion. These moves, while not explicit confirmation of an IPO, have stoked speculation about Ripple’s broader intentions.
Industry voices weigh In: XRP value could soar
John Deaton, a lawyer known for his vocal support of XRP, recently weighed in on the chatter, referencing a video of Garlinghouse commenting on the post-IPO performance of Circle, a rival in the crypto space. Deaton suggested that while Ripple has no pressing need to raise capital through a public offering, the timing of such a move could be pivotal. He noted that Circle’s market capitalisation, which soared to between $62 billion and $75 billion post-IPO, could serve as a benchmark. With Ripple holding nearly 40 billion XRP tokens—currently valued at roughly $2 each, equating to a market cap of around $80 billion—Deaton posited that a well-timed IPO could propel Ripple’s valuation towards the $100 billion mark in today’s market climate.
XRP price holds steady amid IPO talk
On the market front, XRP’s price has remained largely static, oscillating around $2 after tumbling from a high of $3.40 in January. A brief surge to $3 in March, sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to include XRP in a national cryptocurrency reserve, failed to sustain momentum, leaving the token locked in a narrow trading band. Yet, institutional enthusiasm for XRP appears to be gathering pace. VivoPower, a publicly listed company, recently forged a partnership with the Flare blockchain to generate yields on its XRP holdings and committed $121 million to bolster its XRP treasury reserves.
