Remember Maria? She operated a small bakery in Queens, losing money on every cake. But conventional loans became a bad dream. She was met with mountains of paperwork, exorbitant interest rates, and a bank that made her feel like she was the headache. Then she discovered crypto. Today, she accepts Bitcoin and Ethereum, avoiding paywalling predatory transaction fees and connecting with potential buyers worldwide. But that’s the beauty of crypto, a beauty that Washington has been all too slow to appreciate.

Is that tide turning? Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse agrees big change is coming. Yet Balaji’s audacious prediction of Bitcoin hitting $200,000 isn’t pie in the sky, it’s prescient and informed.

Is the Regulatory Ice Age Thawing?

For multiple years, the US regulatory landscape was a glacier, chilling innovation and pushing crypto businesses overseas. Skepticism reigned supreme. Now, Garlinghouse sees a very visible shift, a switch from animosity to favorable neutrality. He blames people like Davin Sacks and the likely re-election of Trump to the White House. And although politics are always a risk, the acquisition of Hidden Road is a strong test case.

It’s more than politics, it’s pressure. Along with her, the industry has matured and proven its resilience, potential and ability to empower other individuals like her. The old guard is belatedly coming to understand that resisting the rise of crypto is as futile as stopping the tide.

Stablecoins, ETFs, and Mainstream Adoption

Garlinghouse on behalf of the industry wishes for stablecoin legislation and reform of the market structure to come quickly. Why should you care? That’s because this isn’t all about making smart cities attractive to crypto bros. Several other stablecoins, including Ripple’s RLUSD, have passed a $250 million market cap. They save complex features for their enterprise user base, allowing consumers to smoothly interact without intimidation, and creating a simple onboarding experience.

Stablecoins have deep potential as an enabler. With the prospect of federal regulation, that promise is more likely than ever to become a reality.

  • Sending money overseas to family without exorbitant fees.
  • Earning interest on your savings that actually beats inflation.
  • Investing in fractional shares of real estate with just a few clicks.

And then there's the holy grail: XRP ETFs. Garlinghouse says they’re on the way during the second half of the year and for good reason. In addition, they provide a safe and regulated on-ramp to XRP. This creates new demand from big capital players like pension funds and endowments. Teucrium’s first-ever leveraged XRP ETF just premiered with $5 million. Now picture building an interstate highway into the cryptoverse. And it will be available to all—not just those with technological know-how.

This isn't just about Bitcoin hitting $200,000 (though I wouldn't complain!). It’s less about the tech and more about a systemic change in how we think about money, finance, and power. An era defined by bank and shadow institution domination that’s been drummed up by a complicated, opaque system is falling apart. Crypto offers a compelling alternative: transparent, decentralized, and empowering.

From Outlaw to Opportunity: A New Era

So even if Ripple settles with the SEC for as much as $50 million, it will be a victory. And it opens the door for them to continue to build, create, innovate and explore new frontiers of all that’s possible. Ripple’s recent purchase of Hidden Road was made possible by this regulatory clarity. Whether it’s a uni or city, this acquisition provides an on-ramp to crypto through traditional infrastructure. That’s a large jump into the future.

This isn't about getting rich quick (although, again, I wouldn't complain!). It’s all part of creating a more inclusive, equitable financial ecosystem for people of all backgrounds. That’s how small businesses, such as Maria’s bakery can succeed in this type of system. People will be free to do more with their money, and progress will be incentivized instead of crushed.

Washington is finally starting to wake up. The old ways are dying. Crypto isn't just winning; it's empowering. And that's something worth celebrating.

Washington is finally starting to wake up. The old ways are dying. Crypto isn't just winning; it's empowering. And that's something worth celebrating.