On Monday, November 18th, the crypto world is abuzz with excitement. Xrp, a prominent cryptocurrency, has been on a remarkable tear. Over the weekend, it catapulted to a three-year high, reaching more than $1.20. This upward trajectory is fueled by a surge in futures bets, with open interest for Xrp derivatives surpassing 2 billion on Sunday. The market is betting on further volatility in the price of this sixth-largest cryptocurrency with a $65 billion market capitalization.

Optimism and Regulatory Headwinds

The trend is being driven by optimism about easing regulatory headwinds. A crypto-friendly Trump administration may benefit tokens linked to US-based companies like Ripple Labs. Additionally, the forthcoming edition of Ripple's RL USD Stablecoin and the French Bank, CCT General's back Euros Stablecoin tied to Xrp could boost institutional adoption of the network. This positive sentiment is having a significant impact on Xrp's performance.

As for the potential Treasury Secretary, Scott Beset, the founder of Key Square Capital Management and a former money manager for George Soros, is leading the polling market. Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Tether custodian Canter Fitzgerald, is also in the mix. Former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin W is close behind, and Apollo Global Management CEO Mark is seeing his odds rise. The New York Times reports that President-elect Donald Trump is having second thoughts about his top two picks and is slowing down the selection process to interview the latter two candidates this week at Mar A Lago. Trump reportedly feels annoyed by Lutnick's constant presence and influence on the selection process for his own interests. However, Lutnick remains a top pick for tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who is a close Trump adviser.

When it comes to other top agencies that could impact crypto, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodities Futures Trading Commission, Trump's picks are still unknown. Coin Eques Nick Day reports that as Republicans solidify their hold on the US House and Senate and the White House, crypto industry groups are more optimistic about passing some form of crypto legislation. Whether it's a new version of the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (K A Fit 21), a Stablecoin bill, a Bitcoin strategic reserve bill, or something else entirely, the chances of passing through the legislative process and becoming law have increased dramatically. Kristen Smith, the CEO of the Blockchain Association, told Coin that industry groups are coordinating to get on the same page.

Impact on the Market

The rise of Xrp has not only caught the attention of investors but has also sparked discussions within the crypto community. Its performance is a clear indication of the changing dynamics in the crypto market. As more institutions show interest and regulatory uncertainties start to ease, Xrp is likely to continue its upward journey. This could have a ripple effect on other cryptocurrencies and the overall crypto ecosystem.

Investors are closely watching these developments, as they could potentially lead to significant changes in the way crypto is regulated and integrated into the mainstream financial system. The potential for increased institutional adoption and the passage of favorable legislation gives hope to the crypto industry that it is moving in the right direction.

While there are still uncertainties and challenges ahead, the current momentum surrounding Xrp and the crypto-friendly environment is a positive sign for the future of the industry. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how these trends unfold and what impact they will have on the global financial landscape.