Is Ripple (XRP) more popular than Ethereum?

XRP: Brand Awareness as a Competitive Advantage

The debate over the true value of XRP resurfaces cyclically, but it takes on a different dimension when Santiago Santos drives the conversation. As an investor who has funded over 150 companies in the crypto ecosystem, Santos delivered a sharp analysis in a recent podcast with Keith and Ben. His main argument does not focus on the technology behind the XRP Ledger or on-chain metrics, but rather on something much harder to build: mainstream recognition. “Walk down the street… people won’t say Solana or Ethereum. They will say Ripple. Without a doubt.” This quote sums up a reality that many in the industry prefer to ignore.

The mainstream awareness of the Ripple name is no coincidence. It has been built on years of media exposure, amplified by the legal battle with the SEC, which paradoxically kept the project in the headlines for years. Santos claims that Ripple managed to “meme itself into existence,” capturing a mindshare that few crypto projects have successfully achieved outside the insider bubble.

To understand why this brand awareness matters in crypto adoption, we need to look at past cycles. During every bull run, the assets that retail investors already know are the first to capture capital inflows. Bitcoin, then Ethereum, then Ripple/XRP. The hierarchy of awareness translates directly into a hierarchy of incoming capital during FOMO phases. It is a structural advantage that is hard to quantify but difficult to dispute.

An Acquisition Strategy That Changes Everything

Beyond the storytelling, Santos points to what he believes is Ripple’s true differentiator: its ability to turn XRP into a strategic currency to acquire real businesses. Between 2023 and 2025, Ripple deployed nearly $3 billion in targeted acquisitions. The most significant move remains the $1.25 billion buyout of Hidden Road, since rebranded as Ripple Prime. This institutional prime broker now handles over $3 trillion in annual volume for more than 300 institutional clients. Since the acquisition was announced, Ripple Prime’s activity has tripled.

Added to this is the $1 billion acquisition of GTreasury, which connects Ripple to the corporate treasury management market, estimated at over $120 trillion. Meanwhile, the RLUSD stablecoin, launched in December 2024, has surpassed $1.5 billion in market capitalization and stands out as the first stablecoin enabling cross margining between crypto assets and traditional instruments. Santos summarizes the philosophy behind all this in one sentence: “Business, pragmatism, and common sense are what win.” For investors wanting to understand how Ripple is positioning itself in global finance, analyzing these acquisitions is more instructive than any price chart.

ETFs as a Supply Compressor

Furthermore, Ripple has become the third most popular cryptocurrency in terms of ETF vehicles, trailing only Bitcoin and Ethereum. Spot XRP funds have gathered over $1.28 billion in inflows since their launch, with assets under management reaching $1.08 billion. Major names in institutional finance are among the holders, including Goldman Sachs, Millennium Management, Citadel Advisors, and Jane Street. In parallel, exchange balances have dropped from 4 billion to under 1.5 billion XRP in twelve months. This structural compression of liquid supply mechanically creates a favorable imbalance if demand picks up.

On the regulatory front, the classification of XRP as a digital commodity by the SEC and CFTC in March 2026 provides long awaited clarity. The vote on the CLARITY Act, whose probability of passing hovered at 47% on Polymarket in April 2026, is the most closely watched short term regulatory catalyst. An approval before the May 21 window would open the floodgates for institutional capital still waiting on the sidelines. Active traders can track this momentum using crypto trading tools suited for this type of market setup.

Can XRP Break $1.50 and Target a New ATH?

XRP is trading around $1.37 as of May 1, 2026, stuck in a range between $1.26 and $1.60 since mid February. The daily structure outlines a double bottom at $1.2577 with a neckline at $1.6015. A daily close above this level would validate the setup and pave the way toward higher targets. Standard Chartered projects XRP at $8 by the end of 2026 if cumulative ETF inflows reach $4 billion to $8 billion.

Our outlook remains cautious. Ripple’s fundamentals are solid, but the price has remained uncorrelated with positive news for several months. 84% of US XRP ETF holders are retail investors, while actual institutional participation is capped at 16%. The $1.50 resistance level will be the first decisive test. A high volume breakout would confirm the return of buyers, whereas a rejection would maintain the current range. The risk/reward ratio depends directly on the CLARITY Act vote and May ETF inflows.

Santos is right about one thing: Ripple is playing a different game than its competitors. However, the market is not yet rewarding this strategy in terms of price action. This disconnect is either a massive opportunity or a signal that something is missing from the equation. To invest in XRP in this context, patience and risk management remain top priorities. Using a reliable crypto exchange is an essential prerequisite before taking any position.

Sources:

• Memesandmkts on X
• ChartNerdTA on X
• TradingView

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