The crypto market often rewards conviction backed by execution rather than popularity. Ripple has long operated outside the approval of crypto purists, yet its institutional strategy continues to gain traction. As market participants reassess which networks stand to benefit most from real-world adoption, Ripple and XRP are returning to the center of serious debate.
That renewed attention followed a clip shared by Jungle Inc Crypto News on X featuring comments from Empire Crypto podcast host Santiago Santos, commonly known as Santi. During the discussion, Santos delivered a notably bullish assessment of Ripple’s position in the digital asset landscape, describing the company as “a force to be reckoned with.”
Ripple’s Execution Over Market Sentiment
Santos framed his analysis around execution rather than narrative. He highlighted Ripple’s 2025 acquisition strategy, pointing to deals involving Hidden Road, SentBe, and Archax. He argued that these acquisitions strengthened Ripple’s grip on institutional payments, liquidity infrastructure, and regulated financial services.
Bullish on Ripple and XRP: and they hate it 😆
Empire Crypto host Santi says “Ripple is a force to be reckoned with.”
And this part surprised people 👇
He’s more bullish on XRP hitting a new ATH than ETH 😂 pic.twitter.com/JCfDiUkGyB
— Jungle Inc Crypto News (@jungleincxrp) January 1, 2026
He emphasized that Ripple continues to expand while much of the crypto market remains distracted by short-term price action. In his view, this focus on building real financial rails separates Ripple from projects that rely heavily on speculative momentum.
Why Ripple Commands Institutional Respect
Santos acknowledged that many crypto natives still dismiss Ripple and XRP. However, he argued that institutional players evaluate networks through a different lens. He stressed that banks and financial firms prioritize reliability, compliance, and execution over community sentiment.
By aligning its strategy with these priorities, Ripple has positioned itself as a serious contender in global payments. Santos made it clear that this progress persists regardless of online criticism.
XRP’s Chances Against Ethereum Surprise Observers
The most unexpected moment came when Santos compared XRP’s outlook to Ethereum’s. He stated that XRP has a higher chance of surpassing its 2018 all-time high in 2026 than Ethereum does. This statement surprised many listeners, given Ethereum’s dominant role in decentralized finance and smart contracts.
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Santos based this view on relative execution and market expectations. He suggested that Ethereum faces increasing structural complexity and valuation pressure, while XRP benefits from clearer institutional use cases and focused development.
Bullish Analysis Without Personal Exposure
Despite his positive outlook, Santos clarified that he does not hold XRP. He explained that he finds it difficult to underwrite XRP’s valuation due to its unique role in the market. This distinction added weight to his comments, as he separated objective analysis from personal investment behavior.
His remarks reflected a broader shift in how analysts evaluate XRP. Many now assess it as financial infrastructure rather than a speculative asset.
As Ripple continues to execute and expand its institutional footprint, opinions like Santos’ suggest that XRP may defy prevailing narratives in the next market cycle.
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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