Tag: Ripple

  • XRP Tumbles to $1 Amid Crypto Sell-Off, Analyst Holds $9 Target on Long-Term Outlook

    XRP Tumbles to $1 Amid Crypto Sell-Off, Analyst Holds $9 Target on Long-Term Outlook

    XRP fell another 5% on the day and traded at $1.00 at press time as the wider crypto market sold off. Bitcoin also dropped below $60,000, triggering more than $600 million in liquidations within one hour. XRP longs accounted for over $40 million of that total, adding further pressure to already fragile prices.

    XRP Faces Heavy Selling

    As Bitcoin weakened, XRP moved lower with the rest of the sector. The wave of liquidations swept through the market, wiping out over $600 million in positions in just one hour. At the same time, financial analyst Celal Kucuker offered a much different view. With more than 20 years of market experience, Kucuker said XRP may still follow a larger technical path, suggesting this drop could be the setup for a much bigger move later.

    Kucuker’s Long-Term XRP Map

    Kucuker said he still sees one of the best scenarios for XRP on his chart. He placed the bottom near $0.86 to $0.87 and pointed to an upside target between $8 and $9. His chart uses XRP’s monthly timeframe, showing a repeating pattern of advances and corrections inside an ascending channel. Previous rallies reached the top of that structure before price cooled again.

    The chart also connects with a Bitcoin scenario near $54,000. Kucuker said XRP could bottom in the same area if Bitcoin follows that path. In a June 6, 2026 post, he called this the most realistic scenario for XRP.

    Key Levels and Timeline

    The weekly chart Kucuker shared tracks XRP from 2018 through 2031. It shows the current price near $1.041 and marks key Fibonacci levels and a long-term trend channel. The 0.618 Fibonacci level sits near $0.878, matching Kucuker’s $0.86 to $0.87 bottom zone. The chart also places the 1.618 extension near $9.042, lining up with his $8 to $9 target.

    The chart projects a rally from the support zone toward the upper target between December 2026 and February 2027. It also shows XRP moving within a rising channel that has held since 2018. Earlier tests of the lower boundary have often led to strong rebounds.

    Ripple Gains EU Regulatory Momentum

    While the XRP price weakened, Ripple received a regulatory update in Europe. Ripple Markets APAC Pte. Ltd. won preliminary approval under the EU’s MiCA framework from Luxembourg’s CSSF. The approval allows Ripple to offer regulated digital asset services across the European Union, including payments and stablecoins. The move gives Ripple a clearer path in one of the world’s largest financial regions.

    The approval may support long-term XRP utility and opens the door for banks, payment firms, and enterprises to use Ripple-related services with regulatory clarity. That backdrop arrives even as the token trades under pressure in the short term.

    What’s Next?

    XRP fell to $1 as Bitcoin slipped below $60,000 and liquidations swept through the crypto market. Despite the sharp decline, analyst Celal Kucuker maintained his long-term outlook, pointing to a potential bottom near $0.87, while Ripple’s MiCA approval added a notable regulatory development. Investors will now watch whether key support levels hold.

  • Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Debuts in Japan: What XRP Holders Need to Know

    Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Debuts in Japan: What XRP Holders Need to Know

    On June 24, 2026, Ripple officially launched its RLUSD stablecoin in Japan after receiving full regulatory approval from the country’s Financial Services Agency. This milestone marks a significant expansion for Ripple beyond its traditional cross-border payment network and into the fast-growing stablecoin market, which now exceeds $300 billion globally.

    RLUSD is a 1:1 US dollar-pegged stablecoin, fully backed by cash reserves, short-term US government bonds, and dollar deposits. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or XRP, RLUSD maintains a stable price, making it ideal for banks, corporations, and financial institutions that require predictable digital payments. Within a short period, RLUSD has reached a market capitalization of approximately $1.59 billion, with an annual growth rate close to 271%.

    Why Japan?

    Japan has long been one of Ripple’s strongest markets, thanks in part to a decade-long partnership with SBI Holdings, one of the country’s largest financial firms. The launch became possible after Japan introduced new regulations allowing foreign stablecoins to enter under strict compliance rules. Japan’s clear legal framework provides a safe and predictable environment for regulated crypto assets, giving Ripple a strategic foothold in Asia.

    Ripple Expands Beyond XRP

    With RLUSD, Ripple is diversifying its business model. Instead of relying solely on XRP for crypto transfers, the company can now offer stablecoin payments, asset settlement, corporate treasury systems, and digital banking services. This does not replace XRP; XRP remains the primary bridge asset for high-speed cross-border currency transfers on Ripple’s payment network. RLUSD provides an alternative for institutions that need zero price volatility.

    What This Means for XRP Investors

    Some investors initially worried that RLUSD might diminish XRP’s role. However, the opposite appears true. By drawing more traditional financial institutions into the Ripple ecosystem, RLUSD increases overall network activity. Higher transaction volume on the XRP Ledger can drive stronger demand for XRP over the long term. The launch positions Ripple to compete directly with major stablecoins like USDT and USDC, while emphasizing regulatory compliance—a key advantage for institutional adoption.

    Competition and Outlook

    The global stablecoin market is dominated by USDT and USDC, but Ripple’s focus on regulatory compliance sets RLUSD apart. Japan’s approval is a strong signal to other markets. With over 50% of Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity volume already coming from Asia, RLUSD could expand into Singapore, South Korea, and other regional hubs, cementing Ripple’s position as a leading blockchain payment company.

    For XRP holders, this development is positive in the long run. RLUSD strengthens Ripple’s overall financial ecosystem, driving broader institutional adoption and network utility. Japan may be just the first step in a global stablecoin expansion that could become a major growth driver for Ripple and XRP.

    FAQs

    1. What is RLUSD?
    RLUSD is Ripple’s 1:1 US dollar-pegged stablecoin, fully backed by cash reserves and short-term US government bonds, designed for banks and institutions needing stable digital payments.

    2. Why did Ripple launch RLUSD in Japan?
    Japan offers clear crypto regulations and a strong partnership with SBI Holdings, enabling a compliant rollout approved by Japan’s Financial Services Agency.

    3. Does RLUSD replace XRP?
    No. RLUSD serves institutions requiring zero volatility, while XRP remains the high-speed bridge asset for cross-border transfers in Ripple’s payment network.

    4. How big is RLUSD right now?
    RLUSD has a market cap of about $1.59 billion with nearly 271% annual growth.

    5. Why does this matter for XRP investors?
    RLUSD attracts more traditional finance into the Ripple ecosystem, increasing network activity and potentially strengthening long-term demand for XRP.

  • XRP at $1.10: What the 2-Year Technical Signal Reveals About the Next Big Move

    XRP at $1.10: What the 2-Year Technical Signal Reveals About the Next Big Move

    XRP continues to hover near the critical $1.10 level, drawing renewed attention from traders after a sharp decline from its May highs above $1.50. The token currently trades around $1.11, down nearly 2% in the past 24 hours, as the broader crypto market remains under pressure. Bitcoin and other altcoins have also faced selling, compounding the stress on XRP.

    The 2-Year Signal That Has Traders Watching Closely

    A rarely seen technical pattern on XRP’s long-term charts has caught the eye of analysts. XRP has slipped below its 200-day moving average—currently near $1.13—a key level that often acts as long-term support. More notably, the token’s 2-year trend line has flattened for the first time since late 2024. Historically, such formations have preceded significant price swings in either direction, making this a pivotal moment for traders.

    XRP Stuck Between Key Support and Resistance

    Price action remains rangebound, with XRP contained between $1.05 support and $1.20 resistance. Buyers have failed to generate enough momentum to break higher, while sellers have not pushed the price below critical support. This indecision leaves the market waiting for a catalyst.

    Ripple Escrow Releases Add Pressure

    Ripple’s monthly 1 billion XRP escrow unlock continues to inject fresh supply into the market. While the program is part of Ripple’s long-standing strategy, the additional tokens often weigh on sentiment during periods of weak demand. The latest release has done little to inspire confidence amid the current downtrend.

    Positive News Fails to Boost Price

    Ripple recently announced it secured MiCA regulatory approval in Luxembourg, enabling expanded payment services and stablecoin operations across Europe. Despite this positive development, XRP’s price barely reacted, underscoring that traders are more focused on short-term fear than long-term fundamentals.

    Futures Market Signals Big Trader Activity

    Derivatives data tells a different story. XRP futures open interest has surged to $2.89 billion, including $1.4 billion on CME futures—a clear sign that institutional players are positioning for a major move. Additionally, spot ETF-related inflows tied to XRP products have exceeded $1.43 billion, indicating that large investors remain bullish on the asset’s long-term potential.

    What Traders Should Watch Next

    The coming weeks could define XRP’s next trend. A breakdown below the psychological $1.00 support could trigger stop-losses and push the price toward the $0.90–$0.85 zone. Conversely, a move above $1.20 resistance would likely restore confidence and open the path toward $1.35 and eventually $1.50. The 2-year flattening pattern suggests that the market is entering a critical accumulation phase, historically followed by a strong breakout. Until a clear direction emerges, caution will likely prevail.

    Key Takeaways

    • XRP price is trapped between $1.05 support and $1.20 resistance.
    • XRP futures open interest reached $2.89 billion, signaling high market activity.
    • A break below $1.00 or above $1.20 may determine XRP’s next major trend.
  • Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Gains Japan Approval, First Foreign Stablecoin Under New Regulations

    Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Gains Japan Approval, First Foreign Stablecoin Under New Regulations

    Ripple’s dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD has secured approval from Japan’s Financial Services Agency (JFSA), marking the first time a foreign-issued stablecoin has entered the Japanese market under the country’s new regulatory framework. SBI VC Trade, a licensed Electronic Payment Instruments Exchange Service Provider, has begun distributing RLUSD through its VCTRADE platform to both retail and institutional users.

    Japan Opens New Path for Foreign Stablecoins

    Japan has historically maintained strict rules for foreign stablecoins. RLUSD became the first stablecoin to enter through the newly established Electronic Payment Instrument (EPI) classification under the Payment Services Act (PSA). The approval process focused on regulatory alignment rather than direct acceptance. Ripple had to demonstrate that RLUSD operates under rules in its home jurisdiction that match Japan’s standards for reserve backing and user protection.

    This achievement gives RLUSD an early position in a market that foreign stablecoin issuers have found difficult to access. It also provides an initial test case for Japan’s new regulatory structure, and its performance may shape expectations for future entrants.

    Ripple and SBI Build on a Decade of Cooperation

    Ripple leveraged its long-standing partnership with SBI Group, which dates back to 2016, to establish the launch. Ripple and SBI announced a memorandum of understanding in August 2025, and nearly ten months later, RLUSD became available to users in Japan. The timeline reflected the compliance work required to satisfy regulatory obligations.

    Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, stated that RLUSD will support payments, tokenization, and collateral management while connecting Japanese users to global liquidity. For the initial phase, RLUSD in Japan operates on the Ethereum network rather than the XRP Ledger.

    RLUSD Targets Payments and Institutional Use Cases

    Ripple and SBI have positioned RLUSD as infrastructure for financial services rather than a speculative asset. Business-focused applications include programmable trade settlement, collateral management for settlement and margin activities, and supply chain finance to enable faster, more transparent payments across trade networks.

    Tomohiko Kondo, Chief Executive Officer of SBI VC Trade, described the launch as a major milestone in the companies’ ongoing collaboration and digital finance initiatives.

    Since its initial launch, RLUSD has reached roughly $1.7 billion in market capitalization, with a growth pattern marked by steady increases rather than sharp speculative surges. The Japan rollout now places RLUSD inside one of the most tightly regulated digital asset markets, where its performance will help shape expectations for future foreign stablecoin entrants.

  • RLUSD Supply on XRP Ledger Surpasses Ethereum as XRP Utility Prospects Improve

    RLUSD Supply on XRP Ledger Surpasses Ethereum as XRP Utility Prospects Improve

    Ripple USD (RLUSD) has achieved a significant distribution milestone, with the XRP Ledger (XRPL) overtaking Ethereum as the stablecoin’s largest native network. On-chain data shows approximately $801.8 million in RLUSD on XRPL, compared to about $795.6 million on Ethereum, giving Ripple’s blockchain a narrow lead in the $1.6 billion RLUSD market.

    However, the shift is largely attributed to Ethereum token burns rather than a surge in new demand on XRPL. About three-quarters of the RLUSD removed over the past month came from Ethereum through redemptions and burns, making the ‘flippening’ partly a result of treasury operations rather than a clear migration of users or trading activity.

    RLUSD now ranks among the ten largest stablecoins, with daily trading volume reaching approximately $166 million. The stablecoin’s activity on XRPL can involve XRP directly, as users pay transaction fees in XRP and the network can route trades through XRP when direct markets between two assets lack liquidity. This could create additional XRP use across payments, exchange transfers, and decentralized trading, provided users actively move the stablecoin and create active markets.

    Meanwhile, RLUSD has expanded into Japan through SBI VC Trade after receiving regulatory clearance, with Ethereum serving as the initial network for the Japanese rollout. An XRPL Foundation representative noted that Ethereum’s early role was expected and that XRPL-based RLUSD could join the Japanese market later, though no fixed timetable has been confirmed.

    The central question remains whether RLUSD on XRPL will generate sustained trading, payment, and liquidity activity to drive XRP demand, or if the supply shift will remain a technical milestone without lasting external volume.