SWIFT’s blockchain trial could expand XRP’s role in cross-border payments.
XRP price and market direction over the next year depend on three main factors. These include the U.S. SEC’s decision on spot ETFs, the new crypto rules under the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, and SWIFT’s plan to test XRP’s blockchain system for cross-border payments.
XRP’s price has risen by about 45% this year, but the growth has not been steady.
The cryptocurrency dropped after global tariffs were announced by the Trump administration earlier in the year and later recovered during the summer. Now, attention is shifting to what could happen next.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is expected to begin reviewing six applications for spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) this month.
The review is set to start on October 18. If approved, these ETFs would make it easier for investors to buy and hold XRP through regulated channels.
Analysts believe the approval could draw as much as $8 billion in new funds into XRP.
That could make it more accessible to large institutions and ordinary investors who prefer traditional financial products.
However, many traders believe this news has already been reflected in the current price.
Since the start of the year, investors have been expecting ETF approval, and the likelihood of approval is estimated at around 95%.
This means the initial market reaction could be mild once the decision is made. Despite the mixed movement, XRP remains one of the most discussed digital assets.
Its long-term growth may depend on how quickly it gains trust among mainstream investors.
The next few months could also be important for the XRP price because of new crypto legislation in the United States.
The Trump administration has been supportive of digital assets, but more regulation is needed before banks and other financial institutions fully adopt them.
Lawmakers are considering the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, also called the Clarity Act.
The goal is to create clear rules for how cryptocurrencies can be used and traded. Earlier, Congress passed the Genius Act to oversee stablecoins, and many expect the Clarity Act to follow.
However, progress has slowed due to the ongoing government shutdown, which could delay the bill’s passage.
The uncertainty makes it difficult for companies to plan how they will use blockchain networks like XRP in their operations.
If the Clarity Act eventually passes, it could make banks more confident in using XRP for sending money across borders.
This could open up more practical uses for the coin beyond trading and speculation.
Another major event that could affect XRP’s path is the upcoming SWIFT trial. SWIFT is the global payment network that connects banks around the world.
It plans to test XRP’s blockchain system as part of efforts to modernize its network.
XRP’s payment ledger is known for fast settlement and low fees, features that align with SWIFT’s goal of improving international transfers.
Each year, about $150 trillion passes through SWIFT’s system. If only 1% of that volume moves through XRP, it could create a $1.5 trillion market opportunity.
It is worth noting that while XRP may not replace SWIFT entirely, the trial could increase its visibility.
It could also show how traditional finance and blockchain technology can work together. Other networks, such as Ethereum, may also be involved in similar upgrades.
Analysts have mixed views on XRP’s price outlook. In a weak market, the XRP price might stay around $3.
However, if the ETFs are approved, the Clarity Act becomes law, and the SWIFT trial performs well, the XRP price could move closer to its previous high of $3.84 by the end of 2025 and over $5 in 12 months.
Even so, many agree that progress will take time. The coming months will show whether XRP can turn these events into lasting growth.
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