XRP News Today: XRP Climbs as Ripple Sees Bank Demand Surge in US; BTC at $103k

XRP Takes Center Stage As Ripple President Highlights US Crypto Shift

The SEC vs. Ripple case took a backseat on Tuesday, May 13, as focus turned to XRP‘s supply-demand outlook. Ripple President Monica Long made headlines, stating:

“It feels like the floodgates are going to open this year.”

Long also highlighted increasing US bank interest in blockchain, RLUSD, and Ripple’s Payment Platform. She remarked:

“Post November, the US election result, even just the conversations, ongoing conversations we’ve had with banks, around being reserve bank or transaction banking partners for the stablecoin or our payments business. The tone and message changed overnight.”

Rising institutional interest in Ripple’s payment solutions could support broader XRP adoption and tilt the supply-demand balance firmly in its favor. The Trump administration’s crypto stance and the SEC’s evolving approach to crypto oversight have been crucial to the shift in sentiment.

SEC vs. Ripple: Settlement Ruling in Focus

While Ripple garners attention in the banking sector, settlement speculation continued to spotlight the Ripple case. Judge Analisa Torres must decide whether to vacate the injunction prohibiting XRP sales to institutional investors and to lower the $125 million penalty.

The SEC filed a settlement letter on May 8, a crucial step toward resolution. If Judge Torres grants the SEC’s settlement request, the SEC and Ripple will seek a limited remand from the Second Circuit to finalize the settlement. If approved, and once the injunction is vacated and funds are distributed, both parties are expected to file for dismissal of their appeals.

A withdrawal of the SEC’s appeal regarding the Programmatic Sales of XRP ruling would remove lingering questions about XRP’s classification as a security and pave the way toward an XRP-spot ETF market. A favorable outcome may further boost crypto demand as financial institutions embrace digital asset investments.

Amicus Curiae attorney John E. Deaton shared news of Swiss banking giant UBS recommending a crypto allocation within investment portfolios, stating:

“We have officially reached the point where it is far more riskier to have zero exposure to crypto than it is to allocate a small percentage of your net worth to it. I felt that way 5 years ago but TradFI is now waking up to the realization.”

Deaton responded to reports of UBS clients allocating as much as 5% of assets to crypto. Crypto-spot ETFs, including a potential XRP-spot ETF, could offer investors safe access to crypto, underscoring the potential for ETF adoption.

XRP Price Outlook: All Eyes on Settlement

XRP gained 1.54% on Tuesday, May 13, extending Monday’s 7.53% rally to close at $2.5840. The token tracked the broader crypto market, which rose 1.99%, taking the total crypto market cap to $3.33 trillion. US economic data and easing global trade tensions boosted demand for risk assets, including crypto.

Short-term drivers include court rulings, XRP-spot ETF-related updates, and macroeconomic developments like tariff news.

Technical support stands at $2.35. A break above the May 12 high of $2.6553 could open the way to a $3.00 retest and a challenge of the all-time high.

For a deeper dive, see our full XRP forecast here.

Bitcoin Revisits $105,000 as US Inflation Cools

While XRP advanced on legal optimism, bitcoin (BTC) revisited $105,000 for the second time since January 31, 2025.

Cooler-than-expected headline US inflation drove demand for risk assets, including BTC. Headline inflation eased from 2.4% in March to 2.3% in April, supporting a more dovish Fed stance. However, core inflation held at 2.8%, capping gains. The Nasdaq Composite Index rallied 1.61% on May 13.

US BTC-Spot ETF Market Eyes Five-Day Inflow Streak

Improved sentiment positioned the BTC-spot ETF market up for a five-day inflow streak. Notably, BlackRock’s (BLK) iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) could extend its inflow streak to 21 sessions.

According to Farside Investors, the US BTC-spot ETF market reported net inflows of $5.2 million on May 12. On May 13, Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) had net outflows of $91.4 million. However, nine of the eleven issuers saw zero net flows, leaving it to IBIT to keep the broader inflow streak alive.

ETF Store President Nate Geraci remarked on IBIT’s inflows, stating:

“Pop the champagne… 20 straight days of inflows for iShares Bitcoin ETF. Over $5 billion new money. Anyone remember ‘no demand’?”

BTC Price Outlook: Trade Developments, the Fed, and ETF Flows in Focus

BTC gained 1.35% on Tuesday, May 13, reversing Monday’s 1.04% loss to settle at $104,120. Significantly, BTC held above $100,000 for the fifth consecutive session, underscoring strong underlying demand.

Short-term price direction will depend on trade developments, Fed signals, ETF flow trends, and legislative developments.

Potential scenarios:

• Bearish Scenario: Rising trade tensions, hawkish Fed signals, political resistance to the Bitcoin Act, and ETF outflows. Bearish sentiment could send BTC toward $90,000.
• Bullish Scenario: Easing trade tensions, dovish Fed outlook, pro-crypto legislation, and ETF inflows. Bullish sentiment could drive BTC above the record high of $109,312.

Notably, Senator Cynthia Lummis recently reintroduced the Bitcoin Act, proposing the US acquire one million BTC over five years with a 20-year hold. If passed, the move could significantly tighten supply and drive prices higher.

What to Watch

Investor focus remains on Ripple’s legal battle, ongoing ETF filings, macroeconomic indicators, and global trade updates. A favorable court ruling may lift XRP sentiment further, while broader crypto direction depends on policy clarity, economic data, and risk appetite.

Read analysts’ insights on what could drive cryptocurrencies to new highs.