Ripple Hints at Settlements with SEC in XRP, CEO Predicts Bitcoin to Hit $200K
In a surprising new development, Ripple is discussing the possibility of settling its long-running lawsuit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) using its own XRP. Meanwhile, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse made a bold prediction that Bitcoin could hit $200,000 in the near future, highlighting a significant shift in the regulatory landscape in the U.S.
Ripple Offers XRP in SEC Settlement
In an interview with Fox Business on April 11, Brad Garlinghouse revealed that Ripple and the SEC are close to a settlement, with a total value of around $50 million – a figure significantly lower than the initial escrow of $125 million. Notably, Garlinghouse said Ripple has proposed paying the portion in XRP, which would be a symbolic move if approved.
“This is a big step forward,” he noted, adding that the current terms would allow Ripple to retain the majority of the escrow. The deal is now awaiting final approval from SEC commissioners.
The U.S. Regulatory Landscape Is Changing
According to Garlinghouse, the regulatory environment for digital assets in the U.S. is becoming more open, thanks to a change in leadership at the SEC and the White House. He said the U.S. is shifting from a “hostile headwind” to a “tailwind,” allowing Ripple and other blockchain companies to thrive in the U.S.
The SEC’s consideration of XRP as a means of payment, after previously debating whether XRP is a security, also reflects a significant shift in the regulator’s approach.
Bitcoin Heading to $200,000?
Regulatory concerns aside, Garlinghouse also shared an optimistic view of the cryptocurrency market in general. While he declined to make a specific prediction for XRP – citing it as “too close to home” – he was not shy about his belief in Bitcoin’s growth potential.
“I think $200,000 is absolutely reasonable,” the Ripple CEO said, stressing that the market has yet to properly appreciate the impact of policy changes and the growing entry of large institutions. He also echoed the view of Charles Hoskinson – founder of Cardano – that Bitcoin could hit $250,000 this year or next.
Optimistic about the future of crypto in the US
Concluding the conversation, Garlinghouse emphasized that Ripple is in a strong position to expand its operations in the US in an increasingly clear and innovation-friendly regulatory environment. If the SEC settlement is finalized and settled in XRP, it would be a symbolic milestone not only for Ripple, but for the entire blockchain industry.
The all-time high Bitcoin prediction and bold regulatory moves show that Ripple is betting big on a more optimistic future for cryptocurrency in the US – one where technology, regulation, and innovation can go hand in hand.