Analysts attribute XRP's rise to the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap to optimism around regulatory changes and Ripple's ecosystem expansion.

What Happened: Speaking with Benzinga, industry experts highlight how Ripple's (CRYPTO: XRP) business growth, including the launch of its RLUSD stablecoin, and potential shifts in SEC leadership are driving demand for XRP.

In a note sent to Decrypt, Ryan Lee, Chief Analyst at Bitget Research, pointed to the ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the SEC as a critical driver of market sentiment.

He emphasized that "any positive developments in the case, such as Gary Gensler's resignation or a favorable settlement, could further boost XRP's price."

Shivam Thakral, CEO of BuyUcoin, highlighted the 40% surge in XRP's price within 24 hours, catapulting its market capitalization to over $156 billion.

Thakral attributed this spike to a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment under the Trump administration and expectations of significant market inflows.

"Investor confidence is also buoyed by predictions of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut," he added.

Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin and its broader ecosystem growth are fueling demand for XRP.

According to Lee, Ripple's partnerships with financial institutions and the token's integral role in its infrastructure directly impact XRP's valuation.

Market analyst Alex Kuptsikevich of FxPro noted that while XRP's price has stabilized at $2.6—a level not reached since 2018—corrections are likely at this point.

He also pointed to the potential introduction of XRP-related ETFs as a future catalyst.

XRP has posted year-to-date gains of 286%, significantly outperforming Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH).

What's Next: Ripple's rally reclaimed the $2 level for the first time in nearly seven years, with a market capitalization exceeding $136 billion.

Ripple's expansion into stablecoins and cross-border payments, coupled with optimism surrounding SEC leadership changes, has strengthened investor sentiment.