Ex-Monero Dev’s Explosive XRP Post Ignites Crypto Future Showdown

A former Monero core developer just dropped a rhetorical grenade in the crypto space—and XRP holders are scrambling for cover. The controversial post has reignited the decade-old debate: privacy coins vs. regulated tokens.

Privacy maximalists vs. institutional adoption

The developer's manifesto skewers what they call 'KYC-friendly chains'—taking direct aim at XRP's banking partnerships. Meanwhile, Ripple's legal team keeps notching courtroom wins while Monero's hashrate flatlines.

Market reacts with trademark volatility

XRP's price jerked 8% within hours of the post. Monero's OTC desks reportedly saw unusual volume—though good luck tracking those trades accurately (wink).

One thing's clear: as regulators circle like vultures, this battle will define crypto's next chapter. Will your portfolio embrace transparency—or disappear into the cryptographic fog? Choose wisely, because the SEC certainly won't do it for you.

A Crypto Skeptic Turns Toward XRP

In his post, Spagni explained that his friend, who had never owned digital assets before, was now eager to purchase XRP. The individual reportedly believes that traditional banks could become obsolete within the next two years, citing XRP’s potential as a transformative financial tool.

Spagni wrote:

“A close friend, who has always been skeptical of crypto and has never owned any, has just asked how he can get a wallet and an exchange account to buy… XRP, because it’s revolutionary and the banks are all going to be gone in 18 months.”

This comment quickly caught the attention of both XRP supporters and critics, fueling ongoing debate about Ripple’s vision for its token.

Ripple Gains Favorable Momentum

Ripple, the issuer behind XRP, has faced years of legal challenges, most notably a dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). That case has now been resolved, with the SEC ceasing its legal action against the company.

Under the Trump administration, Ripple has seen a more favorable environment. President Trump even suggested XRP as a possible component of a future U.S. digital asset reserve.

These developments, combined with market enthusiasm, helped XRP climb from under $1 in November 2024 to over $3.60 by July 2025. While the price has since corrected, it remains among the best-performing major altcoins over the past year.

Analysts Predict Higher Prices

Many XRP advocates on the platform X (formerly Twitter) believe the token could continue to appreciate. Some have projected that XRP may reach $4 or more by the end of 2025, citing growing adoption, regulatory clarity, and Ripple’s expanding partnerships.

This Optimism has attracted new retail buyers, like Spagni’s friend, who see XRP as a potentially revolutionary asset in global finance.

Critics Push Back Against Bank-Replacement Claims

Not everyone agrees with the bold claims surrounding XRP. Several commentators on social media questioned the belief that XRP could replace banks altogether.

One user argued that XRP’s model places too much reliance on Ripple as a private company, noting that centralized oversight could introduce risks:

“The idea of XRP replacing banks has always been confusing. Why WOULD banks want to rely on a private company that controls the token? It creates a single point of failure.”

This perspective reflects a common criticism of XRP—that while it may be efficient for cross-border payments, it does not eliminate the need for traditional financial institutions.

Concerns Over Marketing and Narratives

Ripple’s marketing strategy has also come under scrutiny. While supporters praise the company’s ability to generate enthusiasm and attract newcomers to crypto, critics argue that much of XRP’s popularity stems from misconceptions about its role as a “bridge currency.”

A user posting under the name Fish Catfish suggested that XRP’s valuation is inflated by misinformation:

“It’s unbelievable that investigative journalists haven’t followed the money to see where these narratives are being funded from. The entire market cap seems tied to the false belief that being a bridge currency automatically makes XRP valuable.”

The Broader Question: Adoption vs. Skepticism

The debate reflects a larger divide within the crypto community. On one side are investors who see XRP as a gateway for mainstream users, thanks to Ripple’s partnerships with banks and payment providers. On the other are skeptics who believe the token’s value is overstated and that blockchain adoption will not necessarily make banks obsolete.

Spagni’s anecdote—about a skeptic turning into an enthusiastic XRP buyer—underscores how narratives, price momentum, and regulatory clarity can influence public perception. Whether XRP will live up to its boldest claims remains uncertain, but the discussion highlights how quickly sentiment can shift in the fast-moving cryptocurrency space.