Speculation is growing around how XRP's price could be influenced if Ripple successfully acquires Circle, the issuer of the $61 billion USDC stablecoin. Ripple's expansion strategy appears to be entering a new phase with this potential move, which could significantly alter its position in the blockchain and digital payments ecosystem.
In April 2025, Ripple made an initial acquisition offer between $4 billion and $5 billion, which Circle declined. Shortly after, Circle filed for a public listing with the U.S. SEC, seeking a valuation in the same range and planning to trade under the ticker CRCL on the New York Stock Exchange.
Progress in Acquisition Discussions
Recent reports indicate that discussions have advanced considerably. Circle is now engaging in informal talks with both Ripple and Coinbase, with revised bids rumored to be between $6 billion and $11 billion. This development signals serious intent from all parties and raises the stakes in what could become one of the largest acquisitions in the crypto sector.
This move is consistent with Ripple’s broader strategy to expand its blockchain infrastructure offerings. Earlier this year, the company acquired Hidden Road, a digital asset prime brokerage, for $1.25 billion. A successful acquisition of Circle would represent a major leap in Ripple’s ambition to dominate the stablecoin market.
How Acquiring Circle Could Transform Ripple’s Ecosystem
Gaining control of USDC, the second-largest stablecoin by market capitalization, would significantly enhance Ripple’s influence over digital dollar liquidity. It would also complement Ripple’s own stablecoin, RLUSD, creating a powerful dual-stablecoin strategy.
Such a move could improve liquidity, increase transaction efficiency, and expand Ripple’s reach within global payment systems. More importantly, it could directly benefit XRP by increasing its utility as a bridge asset in cross-border settlements and liquidity management.
To better understand the potential market impact, industry observers have turned to AI-driven analysis for price predictions. These models offer data-informed projections that help contextualize what a successful acquisition could mean for XRP investors.
ChatGPT’s XRP Price Forecast
In a base-case scenario, ChatGPT projected that XRP could reach between $3.50 and $4.50 following a successful acquisition. This estimate assumes the deal is finalized within the $6–8 billion range and that integration proceeds smoothly.
The model emphasized that incorporating USDC into Ripple Payments could substantially expand stablecoin liquidity and directly boost XRP’s utility. A more optimistic outlook from ChatGPT suggested that XRP could surge to between $6 and $10, particularly if the acquisition price lands at the higher end of the range and adoption of Ripple’s payment solutions accelerates worldwide.
Grok’s Market Outlook for XRP
Grok’s analysis aligned closely with ChatGPT’s, also forecasting a base price range of $3.50 to $4.50 for XRP should the acquisition be completed. The model pointed out that while stablecoins like USDC don’t directly influence XRP’s valuation, their integration could drive higher transaction volumes and improve XRP’s functional use cases.
In a best-case scenario, Grok estimated that XRP could climb to between $6 and $8. This would likely depend on Ripple Payments gaining significant traction—potentially processing trillions of dollars in cross-border transactions annually—with XRP serving as a core bridge asset.
Both models acknowledged that broader market conditions would play a critical role. A bull market catalyzed by Bitcoin reaching new all-time highs, possibly near $150,000, could provide additional upward momentum for XRP and other altcoins.
Key Risk Factors to Consider
Despite optimistic projections, several risks could affect the outcome of this acquisition and its impact on XRP’s price. Financing a multi-billion dollar deal may strain Ripple’s financial resources, potentially leading to sales from its XRP reserves and creating short-term selling pressure.
Regulatory challenges remain a persistent concern, particularly given the ongoing uncertainty around crypto legislation in the U.S. and other major markets. Competing bids from firms like Coinbase could also complicate or delay the acquisition process.
Macroeconomic conditions—including interest rate fluctuations, inflation trends, and shifts in investor sentiment—will undoubtedly influence how the market responds to any deal announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What would Ripple gain from acquiring Circle?
Ripple would gain control of USDC, the second-largest stablecoin, enhancing its liquidity offerings and strengthening its position in the digital payments ecosystem. This could lead to greater adoption of Ripple’s technology and increased utility for XRP.
How could the acquisition affect XRP’s price?
If successfully integrated, the acquisition could drive higher demand for XRP due to increased transaction volume and utility. AI models project a potential price range between $3.50 and $10, depending on deal terms and market conditions.
What are the main risks associated with the acquisition?
Major risks include financial strain on Ripple, regulatory hurdles, competitive bidding, and unfavorable macroeconomic conditions. Any of these could negatively impact the deal's success or its effect on XRP’s price.
Does USDC’s performance directly influence XRP’s value?
Not directly, but increased usage of USDC within Ripple’s ecosystem could lead to higher transaction volumes that utilize XRP, indirectly supporting its price appreciation.
Could this acquisition help Ripple compete with Tether?
Yes. Controlling both USDC and RLUSD would position Ripple as a major player in the stablecoin market, potentially enabling it to challenge Tether’s dominance in the long term.
Where can I learn more about stablecoins and market strategies?
For those interested in diving deeper into how stablecoins influence crypto markets, you can explore more strategies and tools available for analysis.
Conclusion
While the potential acquisition of Circle by Ripple remains speculative, its implications for XRP’s price and utility are significant. AI-driven projections suggest a bullish outlook, though real-world outcomes will depend on deal structure, integration success, and broader market dynamics. As with any investment, individuals should conduct thorough research and consider multiple factors before making financial decisions.