Crypto is evolving fast and traditional finance is starting to take notice. The Bank of Japan’s integration with Ripple (XRP) would be a game-changer that brings crypto deeper into mainstream banking. At the same time, StratoVM ($SVM) might push Bitcoin beyond just a store of value by introducing DeFi, smart contracts, and AI applications to its network. These kinds of shifts show how crypto is not only gaining acceptance in traditional finance but also expanding its real-world use cases in the digital economy. Here’s what you need to know. Can XRP Skyrocket to $20 After the Bank of Japan’s Bold Move? The Bank of Japan (BOJ) took a major step by adopting Ripple’s XRP for cross-border payments. This move is expected to make international transactions faster and cheaper, which will be a big shift toward cryptocurrency in traditional banking. A key player in this adoption is SBI Holdings, a major financial institution in Japan. Its CEO, Yoshitaka Kitao, has been supporting XRP for a while and believes it could transform global remittances. Reports suggest that by 2025, around 80% of Japanese banks may integrate XRP, which could reshape international finance. With Japan’s $6.37 trillion banking industry getting behind XRP, demand for the cryptocurrency could rise, which would push its price higher. However, there are challenges ahead. Japan has strict financial regulations, which could slow down XRP’s full integration. While the BOJ’s support is a big win, the overall regulatory landscape will determine just how far XRP can go. As of now, XRP is trading at $2.19, down 0.45% over the past 24 hours. Even though analyst BUTCHER isn’t a fan of XRP, he admits the chart looks very bullish and predicts a potential run to $20. StratoVM: The Bitcoin Layer-2 That Could Bring DeFi, AI, and Smart Contracts to BTC For years, Bitcoin has been known primarily as a secure store of value. However, its lack of smart contract functionality has kept it on the sidelines while other blockchains, like Ethereum and Solana, dominate DeFi, AI, and meme coin ecosystems. That might be about to change with StratoVM ($SVM) , an emerging Layer-2 solution that aims to bring scalability, smart contracts, and decentralized finance (DeFi) to the Bitcoin network. Currently trading at $0.1403, StratoVM has risen by 2,537% in just a week, according to CoinGecko . SVM 7-day chart, Source: CoinGecko With its mainnet launch around the corner, excitement is building fast. If successful, this Layer-2 solution could expand Bitcoin’s role beyond a store of value and into a powerhouse for DeFi, AI applications, and beyond. Despite its recent surge, StratoVM is still in its early stages. Its market cap sits at just $2.4 million, a fraction of CoreDAO’s $500 million valuation. This means there’s the potential for further growth—if adoption continues to increase. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s DeFi sector (BTCFi) is booming. According to DeFiLlama , the Total Value Locked (TVL) in Bitcoin DeFi projects has skyrocketed from $307 million in early 2024 to $5.85 billion in early 2025. This rapid expansion shows an increasing demand for Layer-2 solutions like StratoVM that could enhance Bitcoin’s utility, speed, and efficiency. The momentum is already strong. A Uniswap listing has put StratoVM on the radar, and there are also rumors of a centralized exchange (CEX) listing. The testnet has shown impressive numbers—over 113,312 wallets created and more than 56,200 daily transactions. If StratoVM can deliver on its promises, it could usher in a new era of DeFi, AI, and smart contract innovation on the world’s most secure blockchain. The Bottom Line The Bank of Japan is embracing Ripple (XRP), and this might be what it needs to reach $20. Meanwhile, StratoVM ($SVM) could lead to new possibilities for Bitcoin by bringing DeFi and smart contracts to the network. Both could impact the future of crypto, but StratoVM’s early-stage growth might make it one to watch for those looking for potential protocol expansion. This article is not financial advice. Past results are not indicative of future returns, and the crypto market is inherently unpredictable. Readers must conduct their own thorough research before purchasing any crypto coin or token. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and may remain unchanged. 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 .
