Traditional financial institutions are quietly changing their attitude towards blockchain. As Wall Street capital begins to deeply participate in the infrastructure development of the crypto ecosystem, it reflects a shift in the entire industry from wild growth to regulated development.

Ripple's recent $500 million funding round is a good example. This round was led by Fortress Investment Group and Citadel Securities, giving Ripple a valuation of $40 billion. It seems like a large financing, but what’s truly worth noting is the identity of the investors—these are mainstream Wall Street institutions. Their participation itself signals that blockchain has been incorporated into the mainstream financial horizon.

Ripple's story is quite representative. The company had long been embroiled in regulatory controversy over the issuance and sale of the XRP token. The lawsuit filed by the U.S. SEC dragged on for years, casting a shadow over the entire ecosystem. However, a turning point came in 2024— the court ultimately ruled that XRP trading on major exchanges does not constitute securities trading, which instantly changed the situation.

The significance of this ruling is not just about exonerating XRP. It actually marks the gradual clarification of the regulatory framework. The previously vague areas surrounding cryptocurrencies are now beginning to have concrete definitions. This regulatory certainty is precisely what traditional institutions value most.

Ripple itself is also making adjustments, shifting from relying solely on token sales to gradually providing institutional-grade financial services. This change indicates that the value creation logic of the entire industry is evolving. It’s no longer about hype and token appreciation, but about gaining recognition through offering practical financial infrastructure.