Ripple’s XRP was omitted from ChatGPT’s list of top five altcoins expected to outperform by year-end, a decision rooted in the AI model’s assessment of short-term market dynamics. The exclusion, announced in July 2025, has ignited debates about XRP’s trajectory amid ongoing regulatory developments and institutional adoption. ChatGPT cited three key factors for the omission: the absence of decentralized finance (DeFi) infrastructure on the XRP Ledger, unresolved legal uncertainties with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and historical patterns where XRP tends to surge later in bull cycles rather than lead early [1]. Despite the omission, Ripple’s leadership, including CEO Brad Garlinghouse and CTO David Schwartz, emphasized their focus on real-world utility and regulatory clarity, noting that XRP’s institutional partnerships and cross-border payment capabilities remain strong pillars of growth [1].

The AI model’s selection criteria prioritized “performance outlook” over market capitalization or historical trends, a metric that diverges from XRP’s development strategy. Unlike Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL), which feature robust DeFi ecosystems, the XRP Ledger has not prioritized decentralized finance, a gap highlighted by ChatGPT as a competitive disadvantage [1]. However, Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC, which concluded with a favorable ruling in 2024, has already bolstered confidence in the asset. Financial institutions have increasingly adopted XRP for cross-border transactions, a use case that analysts argue strengthens its long-term appeal [1].

Market performance further complicates the narrative. XRP reached a record high of $3.65 in July 2025, a level not seen since 2018, despite its exclusion from the AI list. This surge followed a period of consolidation and retracements earlier in the year, underscoring XRP’s resilience. The XRP community, often referred to as the “XRP Army,” has remained vocal in defending the token’s potential, with supporters pointing to historical precedents where assets like Cardano and Solana retained long-term value despite short-term ranking exclusions [1]. ChatGPT itself acknowledged that favorable developments—such as a resolution of SEC-related uncertainties or the approval of a spot ETF—could reignite XRP’s rally. Analysts and prediction markets estimate a 90% probability of such products launching by year-end, reflecting optimism about XRP’s regulatory and market prospects [1].

The exclusion also raises broader questions about the role of AI in financial analysis. While ChatGPT’s methodology emphasizes immediate capital rotation and short-term narratives, it does not fully account for XRP’s position as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization or its foundational infrastructure. Ripple’s focus on utility-driven adoption, particularly in institutional finance, contrasts with the speculative nature of many altcoins featured in the AI’s list. This divergence highlights the tension between regulatory risk and technological innovation in the crypto space. As the industry matures, assets like XRP may need to balance legal compliance with ecosystem development to align with evolving investor expectations [1].

Source: [1] [title1: Ripple’s XRP Didn’t Make ChatGPT’s Top 5 Altcoin List] [url1: https://cryptopotato.com/ripples-xrp-didnt-make-chatgpts-top-5-altcoin-list-heres-why/]