As XRP continues to hover near the $2 mark, market watchers are increasingly debating whether the asset has already peaked or is simply building momentum for its next leg up. One voice reigniting that conversation is XRP-focused analyst “J4b1,” who recently offered a compelling rationale for why buying XRP at $2.20 is far from being too late—in fact, it might just be the beginning.
In a detailed breakdown shared with the XRP community, J4b1 argued that current price levels could be seen as a setup rather than a climax, citing historical evolution, strategic liquidity practices by Ripple, and long-term institutional forecasts to support his view.
Is XRP about to explode or already overpriced?
Is buying at $2.20 smart or is it too late? Let’s break it down with data, historical context, and Ripple’s price control strategy. 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/UHvbYD4GJl
— J4b1 (@XRPJ4b1) May 4, 2025
XRP’s Early Days and Evolution into a Cross-Border Contender
J4b1’s commentary began with a historical overview, recalling XRP’s launch in 2012, when it traded for fractions of a cent. At that time, Ripple was just starting to pitch its real-time settlement technology to financial institutions. As banks and payment providers began testing the benefits—fast cross-border transactions, reduced capital costs, and frictionless liquidity—the market gradually responded. XRP would go on to surge to $3.84 during the 2017 bull market, proving its viability as a scalable payment asset.
However, XRP’s trajectory hit turbulence due to mounting regulatory pressures. A civil enforcement action by FinCEN in 2015 and, more significantly, the SEC’s lawsuit filed in December 2020, introduced long-term uncertainty that muted investor enthusiasm and delayed broader institutional adoption. Despite these headwinds, Ripple forged ahead, expanding its global presence, acquiring custody firm Metaco, and building enterprise infrastructure designed to support large-scale tokenized payments.
A Strategic Price Point? Understanding Ripple’s Approach to XRP Supply
The analyst also examined how Ripple handles its XRP holdings through a monthly escrow schedule. Each month, one billion XRP is released, though only a portion enters circulation, mainly through over-the-counter channels designed to prevent market shocks. The unused portion is returned to escrow, creating a dynamic supply mechanism that both preserves liquidity and reduces the risk of excessive volatility.
J4b1 suggested this practice may help Ripple maintain XRP around functional price points needed to process large financial transactions. For instance, if the firm requires $200 million in transactional liquidity and plans to use 100 million XRP, the token would need to hold a value of at least $2. While not confirmed officially, this theoretical framework raises the possibility that Ripple prefers XRP to remain within a specific price band, at least until wider adoption removes the need for internal price targeting.
Institutional Catalysts and Utility-Based Growth
While XRP’s price has shown resilience, J4b1 believes its biggest movement could still be ahead. He points to upcoming developments that could serve as catalysts for a breakout. These include the potential approval of XRP-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs), more widespread tokenization of real-world assets on the XRP Ledger, and renewed institutional engagement following the anticipated return of a pro-crypto U.S. administration.
Perhaps most compelling is the idea of a “supply shock.” If institutional players begin accumulating XRP at a pace that exceeds Ripple’s controlled release strategy, upward price pressure could mount rapidly. The current period, according to J4b1, may represent a rare accumulation window before such a shift takes place.
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Reviving a Forgotten Forecast: The $6 to $30 Range
J4b1 also revisited an intriguing piece of XRP lore: an alleged internal report from BlackRock dating back to 2018. The document reportedly projected that XRP could reach anywhere from $6.37 to $30 in bullish conditions, based on utility and institutional interest. While such figures were sidelined during the SEC litigation, the analyst believes that the market may be entering a phase where those numbers regain relevance.
He emphasized that these aren’t sensational price targets pulled from thin air—they stem from models that analyze Ripple’s business trajectory, global regulatory progress, and increasing enterprise use cases. Even a moderate realization of XRP’s potential as a bridge currency for global payments, he argues, would validate today’s prices as a strategic entry point rather than a late one.
Too Late or Just in Time?
The underlying message from J4b1’s analysis is clear: XRP’s current valuation may be far closer to the starting line than the finish line. Institutional interest, combined with Ripple’s deliberate ecosystem management and the resolution of regulatory uncertainty, could propel XRP far beyond its current range. While short-term traders may focus on price resistance levels, long-term investors may want to consider the broader narrative taking shape.
For those wondering whether they’ve missed the train by looking at XRP at $2.20, the answer, according to this analyst, is a resounding no. Instead, it might just be the on-ramp to a larger journey fueled by utility, infrastructure, and global financial transformation.
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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