XRP may be on the brink of a dramatic surge, potentially hitting prices as high as $23.81, according to bold projections tied to the XRP Ledger’s (XRPL) anticipated role in global finance. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently suggested that the XRPL could process 14% of SWIFT’s annual transaction volume within five years—a forecast that could catapult XRP into double-digit territory.

This prediction emerged during the XRPL Apex 2025 event in Singapore, where Garlinghouse and Ripple CTO David Schwartz fielded questions about XRPL’s long-term potential. Their insights have trigger widespread interest, not just among crypto enthusiasts, but also institutional observers watching the evolving role of blockchain in global finance.

Ripple CEO: XRPL to Capture 14% of SWIFT Volume

When asked how much of SWIFT’s global transaction flow XRPL could realistically handle by 2030, Garlinghouse responded with a confident projection: 14%.

Importantly, he clarified that this estimate relates not to SWIFT’s messaging system but its liquidity function—the aspect that overlaps most with XRPL’s use case. Ripple aims to replace outdated cross-border payment systems with faster, blockchain-based alternatives, and XRP sits at the center of this effort as a bridge asset.

While theoretical models based on SWIFT’s estimated $5 trillion daily transaction volume suggest an annual total of $1.25 quadrillion, more realistic data puts the number closer to $150 trillion annually, according to a 2023 Forbes report.

$21 Trillion in Volume = XRP Price Explosion?

If Ripple’s projection materializes and XRPL processes 14% of the $150 trillion SWIFT handles, $21 trillion per year could flow through the XRP Ledger. But what does this mean for XRP’s price?

According to analysis done using ChatGPT from OpenAI, the price of XRP depends heavily on the velocity of transactions and the amount of XRP needed to maintain liquidity—rather than how many tokens are destroyed or removed from circulation.

Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, XRP is reused in transactions, making its value more dependent on utility and speed than on scarcity.

XRP Liquidity Calculations

Here’s how the math works:

If XRP facilitates $21 trillion in annual volume and each token turns over 30 times per year—about once every 12 days—the total liquidity pool required would be $700 billion in XRP.

At the time of analysis:

• XRP traded at $2.24

• Circulating supply: 58.81 billion XRP

• Total supply: 100 billion XRP

• Fully diluted market cap: $224 billion

To reach the required liquidity of $700 billion, XRP would need to trade at around $11.90 per coin.

Speculative Interest Could Push XRP Even Higher

However, market value isn’t determined by utility alone. Speculative demand, institutional investment, and positive sentiment can all increase the market cap beyond base utility.

In a scenario where XRP’s market cap grows to:

• 1.5x the utility value ($1.05 trillion), XRP could reach $17.85

• 2x the utility value ($1.4 trillion), XRP could soar to $23.81

These figures depend on XRP remaining the primary asset for XRPL transactions, as well as the assumption that tokens continue to turn over at least 30 times a year. If turnover increases, the required liquidity drops, meaning the price could be lower for the same volume—or higher if demand keeps rising.

Factors That Could Affect This Outlook

While these projections are promising, there are several key variables:

1. Regulatory Clarity – Continued progress in U.S. and global crypto regulation could bring more institutional players into the XRP ecosystem, increasing demand.

2. XRP’s Utility – The success of Ripple’s partnerships and adoption of XRPL for real-world transactions will determine whether these volume targets are met.

3. Token Velocity – If XRP is used more frequently (i.e., faster turnover), less liquidity is required, potentially capping price growth. But lower velocity would demand higher per-token values.

4. Market Sentiment – Speculation, especially if fueled by ETF listings or major exchange integrations, could push XRP beyond what is justified by utility alone.

A Long Road Ahead, But Momentum Is Building

Although XRP’s price is currently far below the projected highs, the roadmap laid out by Ripple’s leadership paints a compelling picture. If the XRP Ledger can realistically capture $21 trillion in annual transaction volume, the resulting price movement could place XRP in a whole new league.

That said, these numbers are not financial advice. They are projections based on Ripple’s internal assumptions and third-party liquidity models. As always, crypto investments carry risk, and price predictions depend on a range of dynamic, often unpredictable, factors.

Conclusion: XRP’s Future Hinges on Utility and Adoption

Brad Garlinghouse’s statement about XRPL handling 14% of SWIFT’s volume may sound ambitious—but it reflects Ripple’s long-term vision to revolutionize cross-border finance. If that vision is realized, XRP holders may one day see prices in the $11 to $23 range.

For now, investors and analysts will be watching closely to see whether adoption accelerates, utility grows, and Ripple’s infrastructure continues to expand. If it does, XRP may finally fulfill its long-awaited potential as a global bridge currency.