Should You Buy XRP in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring the development of the XRP cryptocurrency for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of users across South Africa trust us to analyse market trends and identify the most promising investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical charter, HelloSafe has never purchased XRP nor received compensation from entities associated with its ecosystem.

XRP at a glance

How much does 1 XRP cost?

The price of XRP is rising this week. As of today, XRP trades at approximately ZAR 40.60, showing a 1.7% gain over the past 24 hours and a weekly increase of 2.3%.

Its total market capitalisation stands at around ZAR 2.39 trillion, with an average daily trading volume of nearly ZAR 32 billion over the past three months.

XRP currently ranks 4th by market cap, with 58.82 billion tokens in circulation, representing about 2.6% of the total crypto market.

Given recent regulatory clarity and ongoing volatility, XRP remains a dynamic asset for South African investors seeking both growth and risk management.

Our complete review of the XRP cryptocurrency

Have we truly grasped the full upside potential of XRP in the evolving digital payments landscape? By rigorously analyzing recent XRP trends and its trajectory over the last three years through the lens of on-chain metrics, technical indicators, market data, and competitive environment—integrated via proprietary quantitative models—we’ve identified key signals shaping the asset’s outlook. So, why could XRP once again emerge in 2025 as a strategic entry point within the fast-evolving cross-border finance ecosystem?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Price Trends and Volatility

XRP is currently trading at $2.17 (as of 7 June 2025), cementing its status among the top digital assets by market capitalisation ($127.9B). After an impressive surge of over 315% year-on-year, XRP has demonstrated both explosive upside and inherent volatility (-16.35% over the past six months). These dynamics reflect the broader maturation of the cryptocurrency market in 2025, with recent capital inflows and renewed institutional interest following a period of post-SEC settlement consolidation.

Intraday volume fluctuates between $1.6‑$1.9 billion, reflecting both robust liquidity and genuine market engagement. Notably, this sustained exchange turnover signals a strong degree of market confidence and attention from sophisticated traders and allocators.

Positive Catalytic Events

• Regulatory Clarity: May 2025 marked a milestone with Ripple and the SEC agreeing to a $50M settlement—definitively clarifying XRP’s status as not a security on secondary markets. This unlocks new pathways for institutional and retail participation, sharply reducing one of the prime risk overhangs.
• ETF Listings: The launch of XRP futures ETFs on the Nasdaq and CME increases accessibility for mainstream investors and provides credible price discovery, while an ETF spot approval now appears increasingly likely.
• Bank Integration: Strategic integration with more than 80% of Japanese banks by year-end and pilot CBDC projects in the MENA region reinforce XRP’s expanding real-world utility.

Macro and Sectoral Backdrop

• Stronger regulatory frameworks post-MiCA and ongoing legislative clarity in the US and Asia.
• Global growth of CBDCs and stablecoins, feeding demand for interoperable public ledgers like XRP Ledger—especially those compatible with ISO 20022 standards.
• Institutional adoption cycles, with banks, remittance providers, and enterprises accelerating on-chain settlement testing.

Technical Analysis

Key Crypto Indicators: RSI, MACD, Moving Averages

• RSI: Currently at 39-40 (daily), XRP’s relative strength index suggests a market that has recently pulled back from overbought territory and may be forming a new base for a potential upswing. In crypto bull recoveries, RSI zone crossovers from
• MACD: While MACD prints a residual bearish divergence under the zero line, the indicator is flattening, suggesting that selling pressure may be exhausted and ready to flip bullish on confirmation—a classic springboard observed in previous XRP cycles.
• Moving Averages: Price action is consolidating near the 20/50-day moving average cluster ($2.08–$2.14), which serves as a high-probability support zone. This symmetrical triangle compression pattern has often preceded breakout moves for XRP.

Support & Resistance, Momentum Structure

• Strong Supports: The $2.08–$2.14 range offers a robust technical floor, with major support at $2.00. The price has consistently rebounded on tests of these levels, frequently accompanied by a surge in trading volume.
• Resistance Band: Investors are closely monitoring $2.26–$2.28 (immediate resistance) and $2.50–$2.65 (major resistance). A daily close above $2.28 would constitute a technical breakout—with a weekly close near $2.65 increasing the probability of reaching higher targets rapidly.
• Momentum: Structural patterns, such as the development of a giant inverse head-and-shoulders formation, strongly suggest a late-stage accumulation phase. Short-term volatility may persist, but the setup for a decisive trend reversal is maturing.

Fundamental Analysis

Strategic Adoption and Ecosystem Evolution

• Growing Network Effects: Strategic partnerships with leading banks in Asia and the Middle East, combined with increased CBDC pilots on the XRP Ledger, point to growing institutional validation. Integration with 80%+ of Japanese banks serves as a powerful springboard for regional mass adoption.
• Tokenisation & Utility: XRP Ledger is being deployed for real estate tokenisation and provides a scalable platform for innovative DeFi and tokenisation use cases in Dubai and beyond.
• Technological Edge: Transaction finality in 3–5 seconds, sub-cent fees ($0.0002 per transaction), and 1,500+ transactions per second position XRP as a best-in-class settlement rail—particularly for institutions prioritising speed and cost-efficiency.
• Environmental and Compliance Advantages: Fully carbon-neutral operations, robust compliance standards, and ISO 20022 alignment are highly attractive for institutions and regulators alike.

Relative Valuation

• Attractive Market Capitalisation: Despite its strong rally, XRP’s $127.9B market cap remains modest compared to potential total addressable markets (cross-border payments, remittances, and tokenisation).
• Supply Dynamics: With a circulating supply of 58.82B and strict escrow schedules (Ripple Labs holding ~41% in escrow), gates are in place to avoid inflationary shocks—protecting XRP’s long-term scarcity profile.
• Liquidity: Elevated 24H trading volume ($1.6–$1.9bn) insulates XRP against slippage and increases investor flexibility (entry/exit). Strong volume, especially during rally phases, confirms genuine demand.
• Dominance & Rank: XRP consistently ranks in the crypto top-10 by market cap, consolidating its position as an institutional-grade asset.

Catalysts and Positive Forward Drivers

• Imminent ETF Approval: High probability of spot ETF approval in 2025–26, which historically has driven stepwise price appreciation in digital assets.
• CBDC Partnerships: Strategic alliances and pilot CBDC programs with central banks accelerate real-world utility and reinforce XRP Ledger’s position as a go-to public network for programmable settlement.
• ISO 20022 Integration: Alignment with new banking and fintech messaging standards gives XRP native compatibility with trillions in daily transaction flows—an enormous competitive advantage.
• Stablecoin Growth: Expansion of RLUSD, Ripple's US-dollar stablecoin, boosts use cases and cross-platform adoption.
• Pregnant Market Sentiment: Institutional sentiment post-SEC settlement has turned optimistically neutral, setting the stage for sharp risk-on flows should the ETF, utility, or CBDC narratives accelerate.

Investment Strategies (By Time Horizon)

Short-Term (1–3 months)

• Technical setup near support zones ($2.08–$2.14) suggests positioning on retracements could offer enhanced risk-reward profiles, especially ahead of potential ETF news.
• Volatile swings may persist, but a daily/weekly close above $2.28 could catalyse trend-following rallies.
• For active traders, tight stop management around technical floors is advisable to harness price acceleration.

Medium-Term (6–18 months)

• The forthcoming wave of CBDC integrations and further expansion into major retail and banking networks (esp. in Asia/MENA) suggest sustained adoption tailwinds.
• Market anticipation of ETF spot approvals may create powerful pre-event price momentum, while the broadening utility of the XRP Ledger (DeFi, tokenisation) supports ongoing network value growth.
• Entering on technical pullbacks or ahead of high-visibility protocol upgrades appears well-justified in this climate.

Long-Term (2+ years)

• XRP stands to benefit from global regulatory progress, the digital transformation of cross-border payments, and the emergence of public-permissioned ESG-compliant ledgers.
• Escrow and supply mechanisms ensure that long-term holders are cushioned against oversupply events, preserving upside convexity.
• Strategic accumulation during consolidation phases, with a view on major ecosystem updates (e.g. ISO 20022, RLUSD, further API integrations), aligns with multi-year secular growth trends in Web3 finance.

XRP Price Forecast

Is Now the Right Moment to Consider XRP?

In sum, XRP presents a compelling investment profile underpinned by several converging strengths: regulatory clarity post-SEC settlement, robust and growing institutional adoption, best-in-class settlement speeds/costs, and rising integration with the global financial infrastructure (CBDCs, ISO 20022, and ETF vehicles). Elevated market liquidity and an active community help reinforce its resilience even in turbulent conditions.

The structural fundamentals and ongoing protocol innovation signal that XRP remains on the cusp of a new growth phase. The technical formation underway, paired with the probability of imminent ETF approvals and CBDC deployments, adds a powerful list of positive catalysts.

Given this confluence of favorable factors and a historically discounted valuation relative to its disruptive sector, XRP seems to represent an excellent opportunity for investors seeking asymmetric risk/reward exposure to next-generation financial rails. For those with a disciplined approach to digital asset allocation, the balance of probabilities suggests that XRP could well be embarking on a new, sustainably bullish cycle—making 2025 a period to watch closely for strategic entries.

How to buy XRP?

Buying the cryptocurrency XRP (Ripple) online is now a simple and secure process, provided you use a regulated platform suitable for South African investors. Two main methods are available: spot purchase (“spot”), where you directly hold XRP in your wallet, and CFD trading, which allows you to bet on price changes without actually owning the digital currency. Each option has its advantages; see further down this page for a detailed comparison of platforms available from South Africa.

Spot Purchase (Direct Ownership)

With spot purchase, you acquire XRP directly and become the actual owner of the coins, which are stored in a secure wallet (either on the platform, or ideally, in your own external wallet for added control). The main fee is a fixed commission per transaction, usually between 0.10% and 0.50%, and most platforms support deposits and withdrawals in South African Rand (ZAR) via EFT or card.

Example

Suppose XRP is trading at $2.17 USD (approx. R40.50 at R18.66/USD). With an investment of R20,000, you could buy about 493 XRP, accounting for an estimated R100 in transaction fees.

✔️ Profit scenario:
If the XRP price rises by 10%, your portfolio will be worth about R22,000.
Result: That’s a R2,000 gross gain, or +10% on your initial investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD (Contract for Difference) trading allows you to speculate on the price movement of XRP without actually owning the coins. You can take positions up or down, benefiting from leverage. Fees apply in the form of a spread (the difference between buy/sell prices) and an overnight funding cost if you hold the position several days. Leverage increases exposure but also risk.

Example

You open a CFD position on XRP with R20,000 and choose 5x leverage. Your market exposure is thus R100,000.

✔️ Profit scenario:
If XRP rises by 8%, your position earns 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: That’s a gross gain of R8,000 on your original R20,000 (excluding fees).

Key Takeaways

Before investing in XRP, always compare the fees and terms provided by each platform—transaction costs, withdrawal rules, customer support, and available investment methods may vary. The best solution depends on your investment goals and risk profile: spot buying suits those seeking actual crypto ownership and long-term holding, while CFD trading may appeal to experienced investors looking for flexibility and leverage. You can find a detailed platform comparison tool further down this page.

Our 7 tips for buying XRP

The latest XRP news

In the past week, XRP has posted a positive price performance with a +2.3% gain and strong liquidity. The token currently trades at $2.17, with daily volume between $1.6B and $1.9B, reflecting healthy participation despite recent technical signals of short-term consolidation. Notably, over the past year, XRP delivered an impressive +314% to +317% return, highlighting robust medium-term momentum. These dynamics are particularly significant for South African investors as several local exchanges (including VALR and Luno) report continued high demand and seamless ZAR pairs, aiding direct market access and hedging against local currency volatility.

Ripple’s $50 million SEC settlement and the U.S. regulatory clarification have reduced global legal risk for XRP. With the May 2025 SEC ruling confirming XRP is not a security on secondary markets, legal concerns greatly diminished, which is catalyzing renewed institutional interest and driving inflows to compliant markets worldwide. In South Africa, where regulatory uncertainty has historically slowed broader crypto adoption, this resolution supports the case for institutional and retail uptake of XRP, while reinforcing the legitimacy of local XRP trading on platforms registered under the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).

The institutional outlook for XRP has strengthened with the launch of futures ETFs and sustained banking partnerships. The recent introduction of XRP futures ETFs on major U.S. exchanges (Nasdaq, CME) signifies recognition by leading global financial markets. Moreover, Ripple's ongoing engagement with over 80% of Japanese banks and expanded strategic partnerships in the Middle East and Asia indicate a growing cross-border payments network in which South African banks could participate through interbank integration or remittance corridors—a prospect of considerable relevance in the region’s trade and diaspora flows.

Ripple’s advances in CBDC partnerships and ISO 20022 adoption have strategic implications for South Africa’s evolving financial infrastructure. Ripple is piloting CBDC projects with several central banks and implementing ISO 20022 harmonization, which sets a global messaging standard for cross-border financial transfers. For South Africa, whose Reserve Bank has expressed interest in digital currency trials, XRP’s underlying technology and Ripple’s international CBDC experience are instructive precedents and could facilitate future regional initiatives, interoperability, and regulatory cooperation.

Local sentiment towards XRP is trending positive, buoyed by its energy efficiency, rapid transaction speeds, and accessibility on South African exchanges. With transaction times of 3–5 seconds and costs measured at fractions of a US cent, XRP is well-suited to high-volume remittance and payment use-cases relevant to South Africa’s financial ecosystem. Additionally, the token’s carbon-neutral credentials align with South Africa’s increasing focus on ESG factors in finance, enhancing XRP’s appeal for both institutional and environmentally-conscious retail investors in the region.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.