Full-time Trader Says Ripple Has the Plot When It Comes to XRP. Here’s why

Ripple closed out its annual Swell conference in New York City with a live performance by Ellie Goulding. The British pop star delivered her hit “Love Me Like You Do” to a crowd of attendees. For many XRP holders who had anticipated major financial announcements, the concert felt like a sharp contrast to their expectations.

Prominent crypto trader Kylo Tradez (@KyloTradez) voiced that frustration publicly. He wrote that Ripple has “completely lost the plot.” He expected developments like a BlackRock ETF or XRP taking over SWIFT’s role in global payments.

Instead, he got a concert. He argued the event was “PAID for by retail XRP investors who have been farmed the past 10 years.” His post attached video footage of Goulding’s performance on the Ripple-branded stage.

Ripple has completely lost the plot.

Instead of getting a Blackrock ETF or $XRP taking over SWIFT, we got some concert going on at Ripple Swell, PAID for by retail XRP investors who have been farmed the past 10 years. pic.twitter.com/ucOyOdxaBd

— Kylo Tradez (@KyloTradez) October 30, 2026

The OCC Approval That Could Not Move Price

The frustration arrives despite genuine positive news from the conference. Ripple received full approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to launch Ripple National Trust Bank. This makes Ripple one of a small number of crypto companies to receive that level of regulatory recognition in the U.S. The approval positions Ripple to operate as a federally chartered institution.

Despite that milestone, XRP’s price did not respond in a way that satisfied investors. For a community that has held the asset through years of legal battles and regulatory uncertainty, the muted price reaction added to the sense of disappointment.

How the Community Responded

One user pushed back on the criticism of the concert, arguing that providing entertainment at a corporate event is entirely standard practice and not unique to Ripple. Another took a sharper position. He called Ripple’s CEO Brad Garlinghouse a fraud and a charlatan, expressing strong distrust in the company’s leadership.

A third addressed the financial relationship between Ripple and its token holders. He suggested that Ripple treats XRP holders as a funding source, presenting it as an arrangement that benefits the company far more than the retail investors who support it.

What Comes Next for XRP?

The Swell conference is now behind the community. What remains is the question of execution. Ripple holds a significant regulatory achievement with the OCC approval. The infrastructure for a national trust bank is now within reach.

Whether that translates into price appreciation or meaningful adoption of XRP as a settlement asset is the outstanding question for investors.