Ripple XRP Poised To Dominate Real-World Asset Tokenization, Says Cannery Capital CEO

In a significant development for the cryptocurrency sector, Steven McClurg, the CEO of established crypto asset management firm Cannery Capital, has identified Ripple (XRP) as a frontrunner poised to lead the burgeoning real-world asset (RWA) tokenization movement. McClurg’s analysis, delivered during a recent podcast interview and reported by CryptoBasic, shifts market focus toward the underlying utility of blockchain networks. His commentary provides a crucial, experience-driven perspective on how traditional finance adoption will shape the next phase of crypto evolution, moving beyond speculative trading to tangible asset representation.

Ripple XRP Gains Recognition for RWA Tokenization Utility

Steven McClurg’s assessment marks a notable evolution in institutional perception. He openly acknowledged that XRP was not a primary personal focus in prior years. However, his firm’s analytical work over the last 24 months revealed substantial, under-the-radar progress. McClurg specifically highlighted the maturation of the XRP Ledger (XRPL), the decentralized blockchain powering the XRP cryptocurrency. His evaluation concluded that XRPL has demonstrably proven its operational utility and reliability within traditional finance frameworks. This proven track record, according to his expert analysis, strategically positions the XRP token itself to become a leading instrument for representing tokenized real-world assets.

The RWA tokenization trend involves converting rights to physical or financial assets—like real estate, commodities, bonds, or private equity—into digital tokens on a blockchain. This process aims to enhance liquidity, reduce settlement times, and enable fractional ownership. Consequently, the blockchain network that can securely, efficiently, and compliantly handle these transactions stands to capture immense value. McClurg’s statement suggests XRPL’s design, which emphasizes speed, low cost, and built-in compliance features like the decentralized exchange (DEX), aligns perfectly with this institutional need.

From Skeptic to Advocate: The XRP Ledger’s Two-Year Transformation

McClurg’s changed viewpoint is rooted in observable technological and ecosystem development. Between 2023 and 2025, the XRP Ledger community executed several critical upgrades. These enhancements focused on improving smart contract capabilities through sidechains like EVM-compatible networks, expanding tokenization standards, and forging regulatory clarity through legal precedents. Major financial institutions and payment providers continued to utilize Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service, which uses XRP as a bridge currency, thereby stress-testing the ledger in high-volume, cross-border environments. This real-world, financial-grade usage provides the ‘evidence’ McClurg references, distinguishing XRPL from networks with less proven institutional traction.

Bitcoin Price Context and XRP’s Independent Potential

Providing broader market context, McClurg also addressed Bitcoin’s current cycle. He presented a measured risk assessment, predicting that if Bitcoin’s 2025 rally were to falter, its price could find a support floor between $60,000 and $70,000. This perspective acknowledges Bitcoin’s volatility while suggesting a raised baseline from previous cycles, reflecting its increased adoption as a macro asset. More importantly for XRP investors, McClurg delineated a separate growth trajectory. He argued that XRP possesses greater upside potential due to its specific use-case development, independent of Bitcoin’s price movements. His analysis projected that XRP could reach a price point as high as $5, a target predicated on its success in capturing value from the RWA tokenization trend rather than mere correlation with the broader crypto market.

Comparative Blockchain Utility for RWA

Blockchain	Primary RWA Focus	Settlement Speed	Transaction Cost
XRP Ledger (XRPL)	Tokenized Fiats, Commodities, CBDCs	3-5 Seconds	Frictionless (<$0.01)
Ethereum	Private Equity, Real Estate Funds	~15 Seconds	Variable (Can be High)
Stellar	Cross-Border Payments, Microloans	3-5 Seconds	Frictionless (<$0.01)

This table illustrates the competitive landscape, showing XRPL’s technical advantages for high-frequency, low-value asset tokenization relevant to daily finance.

The Expanding Real-World Asset Tokenization Market

The trend McClurg emphasizes is not speculative; it is backed by significant capital inflow and pilot projects. Major financial entities like BlackRock, JPMorgan, and Franklin Templeton have all launched or invested in tokenization initiatives. Consulting firm BCG projects the tokenized asset market could reach a staggering $16 trillion by 2030. This growth is driven by several key factors:

Operational Efficiency: Blockchain automates manual processes, reducing errors and middlemen.
Enhanced Liquidity: Tokenizing illiquid assets like real estate allows for fractional trading.
24/7 Markets: Digital settlements can occur outside traditional market hours.
Regulatory Progress: Clearer frameworks in jurisdictions like the EU, UK, and Singapore are enabling compliant issuance.

For XRP, the opportunity lies in becoming the preferred settlement layer or ‘bridge asset’ for moving value between these tokenized RWAs and traditional currencies. Its established presence in regulated payment corridors gives it a distinct first-mover advantage in the eyes of institutional allocators like Cannery Capital.

Expert Validation and Market Sentiment

McClurg’s view finds echoes among other analysts. Firms like Bernstein have published research noting the ‘sleeping giant’ potential of XRP due to its legal clarity post the SEC case and its niche in payments. Furthermore, the actual on-chain activity supports the narrative. The XRPL has seen a steady increase in the issuance of custom tokens and the use of its native DEX, indicating early-stage tokenization experiments. While Ethereum currently hosts a larger volume of tokenized treasury bills, analysts believe different blockchains will cater to different asset classes, with XRPL positioned for currency, commodity, and trade finance-related RWAs.

Conclusion

Steven McClurg’s commentary transforms the conversation around Ripple XRP from one focused on legal battles to one centered on technological utility and market fit. His expert analysis, grounded in two years of observed XRP Ledger development, positions XRP as a leading contender in the multi-trillion-dollar real-world asset tokenization trend. The projection of XRP’s potential independent growth, alongside a cautious but supportive outlook on Bitcoin, provides a nuanced picture of the 2025 crypto landscape. Ultimately, the success of XRP in this domain will depend on continued technological execution, regulatory cooperation, and the broader adoption of tokenization models by global finance. However, recognition from seasoned asset managers like Cannery Capital signifies a major step toward mainstream financial acceptance.

FAQs

Q1: What is real-world asset (RWA) tokenization?
A1: RWA tokenization is the process of converting ownership rights of a physical or traditional financial asset (like real estate, gold, or bonds) into a digital token on a blockchain. This enables easier trading, fractional ownership, and automated compliance.

Q2: Why does Steven McClurg believe XRP is suited for RWA tokenization?
A2: McClurg points to the XRP Ledger’s proven utility in traditional finance over the past two years, including its speed, low cost, and built-in features for compliance and trading, which are essential for institutional asset tokenization.

Q3: What was McClurg’s prediction for Bitcoin’s price?
A3: He suggested that if Bitcoin’s current rally fails, it could find a support level between $60,000 and $70,000, indicating a higher market floor than in previous cycles due to institutional adoption.

Q4: What price target did McClurg suggest for XRP?
A4: McClurg stated that XRP has significant upside potential and could reach as high as $5, driven primarily by its role in the RWA trend rather than simply following Bitcoin’s price movement.

Q5: How does the XRP Ledger compare to other blockchains for tokenization?
A5: The XRP Ledger offers very fast (3-5 second) and low-cost (<$0.01) settlements, with features designed for issuing and trading tokens. It is often seen as competitive for tokenizing currencies, commodities, and trade finance assets, whereas other chains may focus on different asset classes.

Ripple XRP Poised to Dominate Real-World Asset Tokenization, Says Cannery Capital CEO