Could Ripple (XRP) Become the “OPEC of Crypto”? A Bold Yet Logical Theory

In a recent appearance on the Paul Barron podcast, analyst Brad Kimes shared a fascinating idea: Ripple (XRP) might one day be managed like oil under an OPEC-style organization. While this comparison sounds unusual at first, there are solid reasons behind it.

Learning from OPEC’s Playbook

For decades, oil producers have stabilized markets by adjusting supply. When prices soar, governments often tap into strategic reserves to cool things down. The result: oil has become a global, essential, and highly managed commodity.

Ripple (XRP) and Escrow Reserves

Kimes sees a parallel with Ripple. The company still holds a significant portion of XRP in escrow accounts. By releasing these reserves gradually and strategically, Ripple could potentially reduce volatility and create a market more stable than most other cryptocurrencies.

The Slow Path Toward Becoming Money

Currently, XRP already satisfies two of the three functions of money:

• Store of value

• Medium of exchange

The third—unit of account—may come with time, especially as regulations evolve. Kimes compares this to the U.S. dollar’s slow ascent after World War II, which took over a decade before becoming the world’s reserve currency.

Digital Bonds and the Next Era of Money

Kimes goes further, envisioning a future where the U.S. Treasury issues digital bonds linked to assets like Ripple and Bitcoin (BTC). Much like war bonds in times of crisis, these instruments could provide liquidity without raising taxes.

Unlike traditional money printing, such bonds—backed by digital reserves—could inject stability into fragile financial systems.

Potential Price Impact

If Ripple were ever to secure a national banking license and gain access to a Federal Reserve account, its escrow holdings could act as a digital lender of last resort. Similar to oil reserves in emergencies, XRP reserves could be released to stabilize global liquidity when needed.

Conclusion: A Bold but Plausible Scenario

Kimes admits his analysis is speculative, but the oil comparison reframes XRP’s potential role. Ripple might evolve beyond being “just another cryptocurrency” into a strategically managed global asset, where value is shaped not only by markets but also by policy.

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