XRP has been a fixture in the cryptocurrency landscape for over a decade. While many digital assets have come and gone, XRP has endured—surviving market crashes, regulatory scrutiny, and fierce competition. Its resilience hasn’t gone unnoticed. Dan Tapiero, founder of 10T Holdings and a seasoned investor in the crypto space, recently shared his admiration for XRP’s staying power.
“One very impressive thing about XRP is just how long it’s lasted, how many times it’s come under attack. It’s the Lindy effect—the longer it exists, the stronger it becomes,” Tapiero said in a recent interview.
This sentiment captures the essence of XRP’s journey: not just survival, but persistence through adversity.
A History of Scrutiny and Survival
From its inception, XRP has faced an uphill battle. Unlike decentralized cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, XRP was developed by a centralized entity—Ripple Labs. This distinction has made it a frequent target of criticism and regulatory attention.
The most significant challenge came in December 2020 when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Ripple, alleging that XRP was an unregistered security. The fallout was immediate: major U.S.-based exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken delisted XRP, and investor confidence wavered.
Yet, instead of fading into obscurity, XRP demonstrated remarkable resilience. The crypto community rallied behind it. Developers continued building on the Ripple network. And crucially, Ripple fought back in court—leading to partial victories that redefined how digital assets are classified under U.S. law.
In July 2023, a landmark ruling determined that XRP is not a security when sold to retail investors, though institutional sales were deemed securities offerings. This nuanced decision opened the door for exchanges to relist XRP and reignited institutional interest.
ETFs and the American Edge
Amid growing momentum, speculation about a potential XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) has intensified. While ProShares and other financial firms have explored the idea, no official launch has occurred as of 2025. Still, the mere discussion signals shifting perceptions.
What makes this conversation particularly compelling is XRP’s origin story: it was created in the United States by an American company. In today’s geopolitical climate—where technology leadership and financial sovereignty are national priorities—this detail carries weight.
Tapiero emphasizes this point: “It’s made in America. And with this administration, that matters.” As global competition in blockchain innovation heats up, domestically developed technologies like XRP could play a strategic role in maintaining U.S. influence in digital finance.
Unlike many cryptocurrencies born overseas or designed to operate outside traditional systems, XRP was built with compliance and institutional integration in mind. Its consensus protocol doesn’t rely on energy-intensive mining, making it environmentally efficient—a growing concern for regulators and investors alike.
Core Use Cases That Stand the Test of Time
Despite the noise around price fluctuations and legal battles, XRP’s utility remains strong:
- Cross-border payments: RippleNet leverages XRP for fast, low-cost international transfers, serving banks and payment providers worldwide.
- Central bank digital currency (CBDC) infrastructure: Several countries have explored using Ripple’s technology to develop their own digital currencies.
- Liquidity solutions: On-demand liquidity (ODL), powered by XRP, reduces the need for pre-funded accounts in foreign currencies.
These real-world applications differentiate XRP from speculative altcoins and anchor its value in tangible financial innovation.
A Personal Connection to Early Crypto Days
Dan Tapiero’s journey with XRP dates back to the early 2010s. His first crypto trades involved Bitcoin and XRP on BitReserve (now Uphold). At the time, XRP traded for less than a cent—today, it fluctuates around $2.00 depending on market cycles.
Though he didn’t hold long-term, Tapiero reflects on the experience with wisdom many investors can appreciate:
“Just because you didn’t buy it at a tenth of a cent doesn’t mean you couldn’t buy it at one cent, or ten cents. If you believe in something, never give up on it.”
This mindset underscores a core principle in investing: timing isn’t everything. Belief in technology, use case, and long-term vision often matters more than catching the absolute bottom.
Why Institutional Confidence Is Growing
Several factors are driving renewed institutional interest in XRP:
- Regulatory clarity: The SEC lawsuit outcome provided a clearer legal framework.
- Operational efficiency: XRP settles transactions in 3–5 seconds with minimal fees.
- Scalability: The network can handle up to 1,500 transactions per second—far exceeding Bitcoin and Ethereum during peak congestion.
- Sustainability: With near-zero carbon emissions per transaction, XRP aligns with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is XRP legal in the United States?
A: Yes. Following a 2023 court ruling, retail sales of XRP were deemed not to be securities offerings, allowing U.S. exchanges to relist the asset.
Q: Can XRP be mined like Bitcoin?
A: No. All 100 billion XRP tokens were pre-mined at launch. New tokens cannot be created through mining.
Q: What gives XRP its value?
A: XRP derives value from its utility in cross-border payments, liquidity provision, and enterprise blockchain solutions via RippleNet.
Q: How does XRP compare to other stablecoins or payment tokens?
A: Unlike stablecoins pegged to fiat currencies, XRP is a native digital asset optimized for speed and cost-efficiency in global settlements.
Q: Could an XRP ETF be approved in the future?
A: While no application has been approved yet, increased regulatory clarity improves the odds compared to previous years.
Q: Is Ripple Labs still involved in ongoing litigation with the SEC?
A: As of 2025, certain aspects of the case remain unresolved, particularly concerning institutional sales. However, the core issue of retail trading has been settled.
The Road Ahead for American-Made Innovation
XRP represents more than just another cryptocurrency—it embodies a uniquely American approach to blockchain innovation: structured, compliant, and built for integration with existing financial systems.
While decentralization remains a core tenet of crypto culture, there’s also room for regulated, purpose-built networks that serve real economic functions. In that space, XRP stands out.
As governments worldwide explore digital currencies and financial modernization, having homegrown technologies like XRP strengthens national competitiveness. It also offers investors exposure to a digital asset rooted in practical application rather than pure speculation.
Final Thoughts
XRP’s longevity isn’t accidental. It’s the result of persistent development, strategic vision, and an ability to adapt under pressure. From surviving regulatory storms to enabling faster global payments, XRP continues to prove its relevance.
For believers in blockchain’s transformative potential—and especially those who value innovation born on U.S. soil—XRP remains a compelling chapter in the evolving story of digital finance.
Whether you’re an early adopter or discovering it for the first time, one message endures: if you believe in something, never give up on it.