Ripple CEO: XRP Was Number 2 Behind Bitcoin Before SEC Case

XRP’s position in the cryptocurrency market has changed significantly since the legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission began.

In a video posted on X by Digital Asset Investor, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recalled a period when XRP ranked second among digital assets by market value, behind Bitcoin.

Digital Asset Investor then gave his own view that Garlinghouse expects XRP to eventually move ahead of Bitcoin.

Ripple CEO: XRP Was #2(And will pass Bitcoin IMO) pic.twitter.com/PuFAkI8RhU

— Digital Asset Investor (@digitalassetbuy) October 29, 2026

Garlinghouse Recalls XRP’s Position Before the Lawsuit

Garlinghouse explained that Ripple and the broader cryptocurrency industry have undergone major changes since the company faced what he described as a painful lawsuit with the U.S. government.

He said the legal battle affected confidence in XRP, noting that “people forget” XRP was the second-most-valuable digital asset before the lawsuit. According to Garlinghouse, the dispute caused some people to lose faith in XRP and contributed to the asset losing its previous market position.

The Ripple CEO also discussed the broader narrative surrounding the cryptocurrency industry at the time. He referenced criticism from figures including Elizabeth Warren and Gary Gensler, saying the industry had been portrayed as being fundamentally broken and associated with bad actors.

Garlinghouse rejected that characterization and said the industry needed a different narrative focused on the solutions companies were building. He pointed to blockchain applications designed to address real business problems and improve experiences for businesses and consumers.

Ripple Increases Its Marketing Efforts

Garlinghouse said Ripple has responded by increasing its marketing efforts and bringing greater attention to its products and XRP-related activities.

He explained that the company believes the industry needs more education about practical blockchain applications. Ripple has therefore invested more in marketing while also promoting developments connected to the XRP ecosystem.

Garlinghouse said the company sees momentum building and wants to capitalize on it. He added that the objective extends beyond Ripple itself, saying the company wants to contribute to the broader cryptocurrency industry.

His comments also put XRP’s historical market position into context. Although XRP previously held the number-two position behind Bitcoin, the lawsuit and its consequences changed its standing relative to other major digital assets.

Digital Asset Investor Predicts XRP Could Pass Bitcoin

Digital Asset Investor focused on Garlinghouse’s comments about XRP’s former ranking and interpreted them as a sign of a much larger expectation for the asset.

He said Garlinghouse has repeatedly reminded the market that XRP once ranked second behind Bitcoin and added that he believes the Ripple CEO expects XRP to eventually overtake Bitcoin.

Digital Asset Investor further stated that “they tried everything against Ripple and XRP,” before concluding that Ripple and XRP had won.

The comments also drew skepticism from some viewers. Andrew JELL questioned why XRP’s price has not risen more strongly if the positive developments surrounding the ecosystem are as significant as supporters claim. Jean Vereeken likewise criticized Garlinghouse and expressed frustration over XRP’s long-term price performance.

Garlinghouse’s remarks, however, centered primarily on XRP’s position before the lawsuit and Ripple’s renewed efforts to promote its technology and ecosystem. Digital Asset Investor used those comments to support his own prediction that XRP could eventually challenge Bitcoin for the top position in the cryptocurrency market.