XRP has surged 14% in the past 24 hours, hitting a new record high above $3.5. This rally has pushed its market capitalization to $206 billion, cementing its position as the third-largest crypto asset, according to CoinGecko data.
Over the past week, XRP has outperformed Bitcoin, climbing more than 35%, while Bitcoin gained around 3%.
Why is XRP up Today? GENIUS Act and Trump's Crypto Stance
GENIUS Act to Become Law
The price rally follows the passage of the GENIUS stablecoin bill in the U.S. House and reports that President Trump plans to issue an executive order allowing crypto assets and other alternative investments into the U.S. $9 trillion retirement market.
XRP's upward movement began on Wednesday as the House passed a resolution setting terms for debate on three crypto bills—the GENIUS, Clarity, and Anti-CBDC acts. The token surpassed $3 after the rule was adopted.
Momentum accelerated on Thursday as the House passed the GENIUS Act, which is especially relevant to Ripple’s stablecoin ambitions. The legislation establishes a federal regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, mandating full reserve backing, regular audits, and licensed issuance.
Ripple has positioned RLUSD to meet these requirements, including applying for a national trust bank charter, seeking a Fed master account, and securing BNY Mellon as a qualified custodian for reserves.
With the GENIUS Act poised to become law, the regulatory clarity is expected to accelerate the adoption of RLUSD, potentially giving Ripple a first-mover advantage in the regulated stablecoin sector.
Trump Eyes Opening U.S. Retirement Market to Crypto
Following the House's passage of the GENIUS Act, along with the CLARITY and Anti-CBDC bills, the Financial Times reported that President Trump is considering signing an executive order this week to open the $9 trillion U.S. retirement market, including 401(k) plans, to crypto assets, gold, private equity, and other alternative investments.
The executive order would instruct regulators to identify and remove barriers that currently prevent these asset classes from being included in professionally managed retirement portfolios.
This news triggered a broad rally across crypto markets, with Bitcoin nearing $121,000, Ethereum reclaiming $3,500, and XRP breaking past $3.4.
XRP was trading close to $3.5 at the time of reporting.
What’s Next for XRP?
All eyes are on the ongoing SEC v. Ripple case, which is nearing full resolution. Both parties are expected to withdraw their appeals for the case to be completely resolved.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently confirmed that the company plans to drop its cross-appeal to bring the legal fight to an end and shift focus to execution and growth.
Industry observers are also closely watching for potential approvals of U.S.-listed spot altcoin ETFs, including those tied to XRP.
Just as spot Bitcoin ETFs have unlocked billion-dollar institutional inflows, an XRP ETF could attract interest from wealth managers, retirement funds, and registered investment advisors (RIAs), once regulatory barriers are removed.
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