In the first week of the new year, XRP staged a remarkable comeback. The price surged by 27%, stabilizing above the $2.0 mark, and its market capitalization briefly surpassed BNB to become the third-largest cryptocurrency globally. How hot is this market? Just look at the capital flow — the spot XRP ETF has already attracted over $1.1 billion, with both institutions and retail investors rushing in.

But why is the money so eager to come in? The key lies in two words: expectations. First, the long-standing legal dispute with the SEC has finally been resolved, significantly reducing compliance risks. Additionally, regulatory frameworks in many parts of the world are becoming clearer, and the previous doubts about whether XRP can be used have completely dissipated. With obstacles cleared, capital naturally flows in.

Even more interesting is the resonance between supply and demand. On one side, XRP balances on exchanges are continuously decreasing — indicating that people are accumulating in wallets. On the other side, ETFs are continuously attracting funds — clearly showing increased institutional involvement. Under this scenario, XRP, as an asset with real use cases and genuine compliance, is regaining market attention. As regulatory policies continue to be implemented, this asset is likely to have even more stories to tell. The landscape of the crypto market is quietly changing.