XRP Breaks Records Amid Growing U.S. Crypto Support and Retirement Reform

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XRP has officially hit a new all-time high, surpassing its 2018 record of $3.84 and fueling optimism across the digital asset space. The rally comes on the heels of several pro-cryptocurrency developments in Washington, including new legislation and potential policy changes from former President Donald Trump that could open America’s vast retirement system to digital assets like XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum.

Michael Arrington, founder of Arrington Capital, a leading digital asset investment firm, summed up the sentiment best: “XRP is just showing off at this point,” as the token reached $3.86 on Friday. That surge reflects more than just bullish speculation; it signals growing institutional confidence in a crypto market finally gaining political and regulatory traction.

After enduring years of regulatory battles, including a long legal standoff with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), XRP has emerged as a top performer, gaining nearly 70% in the past month. It now ranks as the fifth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, behind Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Binance Coin. Much of this momentum appears to be driven by increased institutional demand, with inflows into XRP-backed investment products such as leveraged exchange-traded funds and crypto futures accelerating rapidly.

The broader cryptocurrency market has also reached a milestone. This week, total market capitalization topped $3.8 trillion, approaching its previous all-time high from late 2021. Much of that confidence is being driven by Washington, where three major crypto bills recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support.

The Clarity Act aims to shift regulatory oversight of cryptocurrencies to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a move long sought by crypto advocates who view the CFTC as more innovation-friendly than the SEC. Meanwhile, the Genesis Act would allow private banks and companies to issue their stablecoins, cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies like the dollar. Both bills are now awaiting a signature from President Trump, who has publicly expressed support for blockchain innovation and reducing financial regulations.

Perhaps the most significant shift could come through an upcoming executive order reportedly under review by Trump. According to the Financial Times, the order would authorize retirement plans, specifically 401(k) accounts, which represent more than a $7 trillion market, to include alternative investments such as cryptocurrencies and private equity. If signed, this would remove key restrictions currently preventing asset managers from allocating client funds into crypto products, potentially opening the floodgates for institutional investment.

Another critical bill, the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, also passed the House. It would prevent the Federal Reserve from launching a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), a move seen by many in privacy and limited-government circles as a safeguard against future surveillance and centralized financial control.

Meanwhile, other major cryptocurrencies are climbing. Bitcoin has risen 1.9% in the past 24 hours to $72,350, and Ethereum is up 7.1%, now trading at $3,660. Analysts attribute the rally to a combination of regulatory clarity, political momentum, and the growing appeal of digital assets as a hedge against inflation and monetary instability.

The crypto world is keeping a close eye on these policy shifts, which may usher in a new era where digital currencies are no longer sidelined but integrated into the financial mainstream. For investors and innovators alike, the message from Washington is becoming clear: the tide is turning, and cryptocurrency is no longer a fringe experiment; it’s a key part of America’s financial future.