The journey of XRP investors has been one of the most grueling in the digital asset space — defined by regulatory battles, prolonged bear markets, and extreme volatility. Yet, through it all, a resilient community of holders has remained steadfast. Crypto commentator John Squire recently captured this sentiment perfectly: “If patience were a token, XRP holders would be billionaires already.”
This statement isn’t just a viral quip — it reflects a deeper truth about the endurance, loyalty, and long-term vision demonstrated by XRP supporters over the past seven years. As the asset begins to show signs of recovery, many are asking: could this patience finally be rewarded?
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The Rollercoaster Ride of XRP: A Test of Resilience
XRP’s price history is a textbook example of boom, bust, and endurance. In early 2018, the token surged to an all-time high of $3.80, fueled by speculation and growing interest in blockchain-powered financial infrastructure. That peak represented a staggering 65,000% gain from March 2017, briefly placing XRP among the top cryptocurrencies by market cap.
But the euphoria didn’t last. By March 2020, XRP had plummeted to $0.1140 — a 97% drop from its peak. The crash was driven by broader market corrections and increasing regulatory scrutiny. However, the most significant blow came in December 2020, when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Ripple Labs, alleging that XRP was an unregistered security.
The fallout was immediate:
- Major U.S. exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken delisted XRP
- Liquidity dried up for American investors
- The price dropped over 65% in a single month — the steepest decline in its history
While other cryptocurrencies rode the 2021 bull market to new highs, XRP lagged behind, peaking at just $1.96 in April 2021 — still nearly 50% below its 2018 high.
Loyalty That Defied Market Logic
What makes the XRP story unique isn’t just the legal drama — it’s the unwavering support from its investor base.
Despite poor price performance and regulatory uncertainty, the number of XRP holders continued to grow. According to on-chain data from Santiment, there were approximately 986,000 XRP holders in January 2018. Instead of shrinking during the downturn, that number expanded.
By the end of 2022, XRP had added over 3.53 million new holders — a remarkable feat given the market conditions. Notably, much of this growth occurred after the SEC lawsuit was filed, suggesting that new investors were entering not out of hype, but conviction.
This loyalty reflects a belief in XRP’s underlying utility: fast, low-cost cross-border payments powered by RippleNet. Unlike meme coins or speculative assets, XRP has real-world use cases in banking and remittances — a fact that continues to attract institutional interest.
Signs of a Turning Point in 2025
After years of stagnation, XRP began showing signs of life in late 2024. Between November 2024 and January 2025, the token surged nearly 600%, outperforming nearly every major cryptocurrency during what CNBC dubbed a “Trump-led market rally.”
While some dismissed this as a short-term spike, others saw it as the beginning of a broader recovery. Analysts like BarriC argue that this rally is just the first wave of a much larger move. In a widely shared post, he stated: “I didn’t buy $XRP at $0.10 to be completely shaken out at $2.”* His long-term price target? **$100*.
While that figure may seem ambitious, proponents point to historical patterns. During the 2017 bull run, XRP rose from under $0.01 to nearly $4 — a 40,000% increase. If similar momentum returns — especially if the SEC case concludes favorably — even modest percentage gains could translate into life-changing returns for early adopters.
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Why Patience Matters in Crypto Investing
John Squire’s comment about XRP holders deserving billionaire status isn’t just praise — it’s a commentary on one of the most underrated traits in investing: patience.
In an era dominated by meme coins, pump-and-dump schemes, and short-term trading bots, XRP holders represent a different archetype: long-term believers who weathered legal storms, exchange delistings, and years of underperformance without selling.
Their experience underscores a core principle in digital asset investing: true value often takes time to materialize. Bitcoin took eight years to surpass its 2013 peak. Ethereum faced skepticism for years before becoming the foundation of DeFi and NFTs. XRP may be following a similar path.
For those who held through the SEC lawsuit and market crashes, the recent rally might feel like validation — but not yet vindication. Many believe the real upside is still ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did the SEC sue Ripple over XRP?
The SEC alleged that Ripple conducted an unregistered securities offering by selling XRP to raise capital. Ripple argues that XRP is a currency, not a security, and that the lawsuit misapplies financial regulations to digital assets.
Has the SEC case been resolved?
As of early 2025, the case is ongoing but has seen significant developments. A federal judge previously ruled that XRP is not inherently a security when sold to retail investors, which was seen as a partial victory for Ripple.
Can XRP still grow despite past setbacks?
Yes. Many analysts believe that once regulatory clarity is achieved, exchanges will relist XRP in the U.S., institutional adoption will increase, and price momentum could accelerate.
How many XRP holders are there now?
Estimates suggest there are over 4.5 million unique XRP holders globally, with steady growth even during bear markets.
Is XRP a good long-term investment?
That depends on individual risk tolerance and belief in its use case. XRP’s integration with banks and payment providers gives it utility beyond speculation — a key factor for long-term viability.
Could XRP ever reach $100?
While highly speculative, some analysts argue it's possible under extreme bullish conditions — such as favorable legal outcomes, mass adoption by financial institutions, or integration into global payment systems.
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Final Thoughts: The Value of Staying Committed
The story of XRP is far from over. What began as a promising payment protocol has evolved into a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. Its community hasn’t just held on — they’ve grown stronger.
For investors, the lesson is clear: in crypto, as in life, patience isn’t just a virtue — it can be a strategy. And for those who’ve stayed loyal through legal battles and bear markets, the next chapter could be their most rewarding yet.
As markets evolve and regulatory clouds lift, one thing remains certain: XRP holders have already proven they’re built for the long haul. Whether they become billionaires or not, their perseverance deserves recognition.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed are based on public commentary and analysis and do not constitute investment recommendations. Always conduct independent research before making any investment decisions.