XRP’s Growing Influence Challenges Bitcoin Maximalists

XRP’s growing influence in the global financial ecosystem is starting to rattle some long-standing assumptions in the crypto space. As Bitcoin remains the dominant digital asset in terms of market capitalization, Ripple’s native token is steadily carving a unique path that emphasizes practical integration and real-world financial utility.

Despite Bitcoin’s longstanding reputation as the original cryptocurrency and holder of financial sovereignty ideals, XRP is increasingly becoming a topic of serious discussion due to its rising prominence in institutional finance. An influential figure in the crypto community, John Squire, has publicly argued that XRP is positioning itself not just as another altcoin, but as a powered contender driving mainstream adoption through practical use cases and a clear vision.

Redefining Crypto Ideology: XRP vs. Bitcoin

On May 20, Squire initiated a wave of reaction across the crypto community through a series of posts asserting XRP’s strengths. Unlike Bitcoin, which relies on energy-intensive mining and slower transactions, XRP runs on an energy-efficient model that processes transactions within seconds.

According to Squire, the debate is less about technical superiority and more about ideology. Bitcoin champions decentralization, a core principle since its inception. XRP, on the other hand, is embracing structured partnerships and enterprise-level integrations.

“Maxis hate that XRP doesn’t need miners, uses minimal energy, and settles in seconds,” stated Squire in one of his posts.

He emphasized utility as the ultimate metric for success, commenting, “Decentralization? That debate’s over. What matters now is utility. And XRP delivers.” His statements might be controversial to Bitcoin purists, but they highlight a shift in how digital assets are judged, especially by institutions.

Ripple’s parent company has been vigorously pursuing partnerships with banks, financial institutions, and even governments. It’s these connections, grounded in practical application, that Squire believes lift XRP above other altcoins.

Just last month, Ripple completed the acquisition of Hidden Road, a major player in prime brokerage services. Further backing its growth ambitions, Ripple reportedly offered $5 billion to acquire Circle, the firm behind the USD Coin (USDC). Although that offer was rejected, rumors suggest Ripple increased its bid to $20 billion to rival competition from Coinbase.

In yet another major milestone, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) recently launched XRP futures contracts, giving institutional investors access to the token through regulated standard and micro-sized offerings. While this move followed a court’s denial of a $50 million settlement between Ripple and the SEC, it underscores one key message: XRP is being taken seriously by legacy financial players despite its regulatory controversies.

As Squire explained, “XRP isn’t competing for price — It’s competing for relevance. And every new deal, partnership, or use case is proof.” It’s this long-term strategy centered around adoption and real-world integration that may offer XRP a sustainable edge.

Industry Skepticism and Market Performance

Not all within the crypto community are sold on XRP’s trajectory. Critics argue that while Ripple has defined potential, actual implementation remains limited. One detractor on social media challenged the legitimacy of XRP’s banking relationships, suggesting they’re more aspirational than functional. “No Bitcoiner is nervous about XRP,” he stated, dismissing it as self-sabotaging.

From a market standpoint, XRP’s price movement has been relatively subdued. As of now, it trades modestly higher with a 0.3% gain in the past 24 hours. However, it still shows an 8.4% decline over the week. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has climbed 1.6% daily and 3.5% over the week, staying close to its all-time highs.

Related: Expert Advice: Sell XRP If You’re Confused

Though the market performance might not yet fully reflect it, XRP’s increasing visibility in institutional markets signals a noteworthy development. As traditional finance and digital assets continue to converge, tokens like XRP — which focus on real-world applicability — may hold the keys to broader crypto acceptance.