Let's be real. To be clear, the crypto market mostly gives me the impression of a rollercoaster built by torturers. XRP, specifically, has been a wild ride. You see the headlines: "XRP Down 32% Since January!" We understand it’s easy to panic, particularly if you purchased in recently. You may well be left with the sense that you’ve been gamed. Before you throw your hands up and declare crypto a scam, let's talk about who is actually losing and who is quietly winning.

I especially want to introduce you to Sarah, a 23-year-old graphic designer I met at one of the crypto meetup events. She’s been DCAing into XRP since last November. While many who FOMO'd in December and January are sweating bullets, Sarah's still up 8%. Why? Her story is different from many, though, because she didn’t bet the farm. She smartly purchased while the market was down in December. She’s not a crypto wizard, she’s just focused.

Whales Manipulate, Gen Z Adapts

Here's the uncomfortable truth: the crypto market, especially XRP, is a bit of a rigged system. Just 0.01% of holders own 77% of the supply. The concentration of ownership among these “whales” is unrealized in most crypto ecosystems. They often game prices to their own advantage. This puts retail investors, particularly those just getting their feet wet, on the back foot.

Think about it this way: it's like a poker game where a few players have significantly more chips and inside information. They can call bluffs, raise the bet and bully the little guys. It’s not technically illegal, but it’s just really, really wrong.

Data supports this. Although currently down, those who purchased XRP during the December rally are still enjoying profits (up about 11%). At the same time, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana buyers from the same period are still sitting on major losses (Solana -28%, Ethereum -36%). This has nothing to do with XRP being better, it’s all about timing, strategy, and just knowing the market’s natural volatility and manipulation.

The influx of capital into XRP has decreased since February, suggesting less speculative interest. Here's where the unexpected connection comes in: this mirrors the decline in trust in traditional financial institutions among Gen Z. They view the stock market as likewise rigged in favor of the wealthy elite. But even with its many shortcomings, crypto remains a promising alternative – an opportunity to level the playing field.

Regulation Needed or DeFi Solutions?

Fortunately, the issue isn’t even XRPL itself — it’s the absence of regulation that enables these whales to do whatever they want without consequence. We require tougher rules on trading to guard markets against abusive trading practices like market manipulation and protect retail investors. Think about it: imagine if the stock market operated with the same level of transparency (or lack thereof) as crypto. There would be widespread outrage.

Regulation isn't the only answer. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) offers another path forward. By eliminating the need for intermediaries, DeFi has the potential to build a financial system that is fairer and more transparent. Imagine a universe where you can easily lend, borrow, and trade XRP across all of them. In this new world, you will no longer need to rely on manipulatable centralized exchanges.

It’s about reclaiming power over our economic destinies. It’s about creating a system that serves everybody—not just the rich and powerful.

Gen Z: Demand A Fairer Game

We need to demand change. We need to:

  • Educate ourselves: Understand the risks and rewards of crypto investing. Don't just blindly follow the hype.
  • Support regulation: Advocate for policies that protect retail investors and prevent market manipulation.
  • Explore DeFi: Experiment with decentralized finance solutions and support projects that are building a more equitable financial system.
  • Share our stories: Talk about our experiences with crypto, both good and bad. Let's create a community of informed and empowered investors.

Specific cryptocurrency XRP was recently trading at $2.21 after a rapid recovery from a low of $1.68 in early April. In this only recent rebound lies its remarkable subtext of resilience and potential. Analysts including Geoffrey Kendrick from Standard Chartered expect XRP to reach $5.50 by the end of 2025. They even project an increase up to $12.25 by the end of 2029, but keep in mind that this is all speculative. The real power lies in our hands.

Don’t let the big, scary whales frighten you away from playing. Don't let the rigged system discourage you. Rather, let’s join forces and create a better, more equitable crypto future. The future of finance is being written today, and Gen Z must be included in the discussions. Even when that table’s a little shaky.