John Squire, a well-known crypto commentator on X, has ignited debate with a video clip of SBI Holdings’ chairman and CEO, Yoshitaka Kitao, declaring that “$XRP will reach a very high price.”
In his post, Squire stressed that Kitao “isn’t speculating, he’s in the room where it happens,” highlighting the significance of a statement coming from one of XRP’s most influential backers. The clip and Squire’s framing have since spread rapidly across the crypto community.
SBI’s Position: A Major Stakeholder, Not a Spectator
SBI Holdings is far more than a casual supporter of Ripple. In its June 2025 investor disclosures, the Japanese financial giant confirmed it holds roughly 9% of Ripple’s shares, making it the company’s largest external shareholder.
Kitao himself underscored this fact in the video, noting that any surge in XRP’s value would directly translate into capital gains for SBI, whether realized through sales or simply recognized on the company’s books.
BOOOOOOM!!! 💥
The CEO of Japan’s biggest banking group — SBI — just dropped it:
👉 “ $XRP will reach a very high price. ”
He’s not a trader.
He’s not speculating.
He’s in the room where it happens. 🔥🚀 pic.twitter.com/WgbtK9UQLn— John Squire (@TheCryptoSquire) August 22, 2025
The group has also built operational ties with Ripple over the years, spearheading projects such as SBI Ripple Asia and launching remittance services that integrate XRP. This combination of equity ownership and business integration lends Kitao’s comments credibility well beyond a typical market prediction.
The Ripple–SEC Case: A Chapter Closes
Kitao’s bullish stance is closely linked to the resolution of Ripple’s long-running legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. For years, the case weighed heavily on XRP’s adoption, deterring institutional players and limiting exchange support.
That uncertainty has now largely lifted. On June 26, 2025, Judge Analisa Torres rejected a joint request by Ripple and the SEC to modify the existing judgment. The following day, Ripple withdrew its cross-appeal.
Finally, in early August 2025, both parties filed to dismiss their appeals, bringing the litigation to a practical close. The result: the original injunction remains in place, along with a $125 million civil penalty Ripple must pay, but the broader dispute is finished.
For many market observers, this conclusion represents the clearest regulatory status XRP has enjoyed since the lawsuit began in 2020.
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Market Implications: Opportunity With Caution
Kitao’s prediction of a “very high price” rests on the belief that legal clarity will unlock new demand. Without the cloud of litigation, XRP is positioned to regain exchange listings, attract institutional interest, and power more remittance corridors. These factors could drive a significant price re-rating.
Still, the picture is not entirely unrestrained. The injunction remains binding, meaning Ripple faces limits on certain institutional sales. Broader macroeconomic conditions, global liquidity, and the speed of Ripple’s execution, including potential IPO or token management strategies — will all shape XRP’s trajectory.
SBI has also noted that much of its Ripple exposure is not yet reflected on its balance sheet, suggesting latent value remains to be realized only at a major corporate event.
Between Optimism and Prudence
Kitao’s statement carries unusual weight precisely because it comes from someone with both deep financial exposure and operational alignment with Ripple. It is less a speculative bet and more a strategic outlook from a stakeholder positioned to benefit directly from XRP’s rise.
With the Ripple–SEC case finally concluded, one of XRP’s largest obstacles has been removed. Whether that translates into the “very high price” Kitao envisions will depend on how quickly confidence, liquidity, and adoption return to the XRP ecosystem.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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