XRP is back in the news as the SEC faces growing legal pressure. A new lawsuit has put the agency under scrutiny, which led to speculation that it might drop its appeal in the Ripple case. Meanwhile, another project gaining attention is PlutoChain ($PLUTO) . As a Layer-2 solution for Bitcoin, it could speed up transactions, reduce fees, and expand Bitcoin’s functionality. Here’s the latest info on both projects. Will XRP Skyrocket to $10 Amid SEC’s Mounting Legal Troubles? XRP is currently trading at $2.43, up 3.8% in the last 24 hours. With a 24-hour trading volume of $7.64 billion, there’s steady market activity. The SEC is under more and more pressure. On February 5, 2025, Empower Oversight, a U.S. whistleblower organization, filed a lawsuit against the agency for failing to release findings from an internal investigation. At the center of this controversy is William Hinman, the former Director of the SEC’s Division of Corporate Finance. Hinman allegedly received payments from his former employer, Simpson Thacher, while playing a key role in shaping crypto regulations. Simpson Thacher is closely tied to Ethereum, raising concerns about conflicts of interest — especially given that Hinman publicly stated in 2018 that Bitcoin and Ethereum were not securities. Court documents from the ongoing Ripple case suggest that he continued engaging with Simpson Thacher despite internal SEC warnings. Now there’s speculation over whether the agency will drop its appeal in the Ripple case to avoid further controversy. If that happens, it could be a game-changer for Ripple and XRP. Crypto analyst Hugo says that XRP will experience a massive price surge once the bull run resumes, with a minimum target of $10. Here’s How PlutoChain ($PLUTO) Could Make Bitcoin Faster, Cheaper, and Practical for Everyday Transactions Bitcoin is the most recognized cryptocurrency, but it still faces serious hurdles. Transactions take too long, often 10 minutes or more to confirm, which makes it frustrating for everyday use. Fees spike when the network gets congested, making even small payments expensive. As Bitcoin adoption grows, these issues become harder to ignore. PlutoChain ($PLUTO) offers a potential fix. As a Layer-2 solution, it could speed up transactions, cut costs, and unlock new use cases for Bitcoin. Instead of waiting 10 minutes, users could benefit from block times of just two seconds on PlutoChain’s Layer-2 network. That shift alone could make Bitcoin viable for things like buying coffee, sending money internationally, or handling microtransactions — areas where it struggles today. Beyond speed, PlutoChain aims to slash transaction fees, which could make Bitcoin practical for businesses and individuals. Lower costs could push Bitcoin beyond just a store of value and turn it into a real, usable payment system. By integrating Ethereum’s Virtual Machine (EVM) , PlutoChain could connect Bitcoin to the broader blockchain world. Developers could create apps that let BTC interact with DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and even AI-driven tools. Instead of just storing value, Bitcoin could power new financial ecosystems. Security remains a priority. PlutoChain has undergone audits from SolidProof , QuillAudits , and Assure DeFi to ensure network stability. Stress tests have already proven its scalability — PlutoChain processing over 43,200 transactions in a single day. Unlike Bitcoin’s miner-controlled governance, PlutoChain gives users a voice. The community can propose and vote on upgrades and features. The Bottom Line Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC remains a hot topic, and if the agency drops its appeal, it could be a game-changer for XRP. At the same time, PlutoChain ($PLUTO) might be a project to watch. By making Bitcoin faster, cheaper, and more functional, it could play a key role in the next phase of blockchain innovation ———- Disclaimer: It’s important to note that participating in presales carries risks, including market volatility and potential project delays. Please conduct thorough research, understand the risks of market volatility, and seek professional advice before engaging with any blockchain project. Future-oriented statements are speculative and may not be modified. Disclosure: This is a sponsored press release. Please do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any projects. Read the full disclosure here .
