BRICS may adopt Ripple’s XRP to bypass dollar in gold-backed trade push

  • Russia’s SWIFT exclusion in 2022 spurred alternative system planning.
  • BRICS members seek autonomy in international settlements.
  • XRP’s speed and cost-efficiency seen as ideal for institutional use.

A new theory circulating among cryptocurrency and geopolitical analysts suggests that BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—may be working behind the scenes to develop a gold-backed financial system using Ripple’s XRP Ledger.

This comes as the bloc continues efforts to reduce dependency on the US-led SWIFT network and the dollar-dominated global economy.

While unconfirmed by any government, the theory is gaining attention due to mounting evidence of BRICS cooperation on currency independence and blockchain innovation.

How the US maintains dominance in global finance

The global financial system is largely underpinned by three core levers of Western influence: the dominance of the US dollar, the SWIFT interbank messaging system, and the liquidity framework governed by Western central banks.

SWIFT enables international banking communication and has become a tool for enforcing sanctions. In 2022, Russia was ejected from SWIFT as part of coordinated Western sanctions, prompting the Kremlin to accelerate efforts to create alternative channels for cross-border payments.

By cutting off access to dollar reserves and freezing foreign-held assets, the US has demonstrated the strategic power of financial infrastructure.

Countries seen as politically adversarial or non-aligned are increasingly wary of this system, viewing it as a vulnerability rather than a neutral platform for trade.

Why BRICS wants out of the dollar system

Each member of BRICS has its own incentive to reduce exposure to the dollar. Russia’s exclusion from SWIFT and asset seizures have forced it to pursue financial independence. China is seeking to insulate its growing economy from Western financial pressure.

India and Brazil are looking to increase autonomy in international settlements, while South Africa has expressed interest in strengthening regional currencies.

This shared objective has sparked renewed calls within the bloc for a new system of value exchange—one that does not rely on Western mechanisms.

BRICS nations have already discussed launching a shared currency backed by commodities, and gold is viewed as the most viable asset for such backing due to its stability and global acceptance.

XRP Ledger as a bridge for gold-backed trade

According to the theory, Ripple’s XRP Ledger could serve as the digital bridge between local currencies and a gold-backed reserve system. XRP was designed for high-volume institutional transfers, with a transaction time of 3-5 seconds and low fees.

Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, XRP offers scalability and predictable costs—key for governments and central banks processing large transactions.

In this model, BRICS would not issue a new public token but instead use XRP’s existing infrastructure to settle trades. Gold could be held in national vaults or regional repositories, and XRP would be the mechanism through which value is transferred quickly and securely.

This would allow BRICS countries to bypass SWIFT and the dollar, while maintaining compliance and auditability through the XRP Ledger.

Strategic signals and unconfirmed moves

Although no official confirmation exists that BRICS is actively testing or adopting XRP, several developments have drawn speculation. Russia has already proposed a gold-pegged stablecoin for cross-border trade with friendly nations.

China continues to expand its digital yuan pilot. Ripple has also been expanding its presence in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America—regions aligned with BRICS interests.

The theory remains speculative, but it is rooted in a broader trend of de-dollarisation and growing interest in blockchain-based infrastructure for sovereign financial systems.

Analysts argue that if BRICS succeeds in deploying a decentralised, asset-backed settlement model, it could reshape the future of international finance and challenge the existing power structures dominated by the West.

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Arthur Hayes sees Bitcoin at $1M by 2028: here’s why

  • Key drivers include capital controls and Treasury devaluation.
  • US election outcomes could accelerate or delay BTC gains.
  • European policy divergence adds regulatory uncertainty.

Bitcoin is trading around $103,025, but forecasts for its long-term growth are becoming increasingly ambitious.

One of the most widely discussed predictions comes from Arthur Hayes, co-founder and former CEO of crypto exchange BitMEX, who believes Bitcoin will soar to $1 million within the next three years.

Bitcoin price
Source: CoinMarketCap

Hayes shared this estimate in a blog post published on 15 May, citing global macroeconomic factors as the primary catalysts behind such a dramatic rise.

His comments follow a recent surge in institutional interest and ongoing concerns around fiat currency stability.

Global capital controls and US Treasury risk fuel bullish case

Hayes argues that two key developments are paving the way for Bitcoin’s potential seven-figure price point: capital repatriation and the devaluation of United States Treasurys.

According to him, as governments impose tighter capital controls and attempt to manage sovereign debt, investors will seek refuge in decentralised assets.

He suggests that Bitcoin, given its finite supply and growing institutional legitimacy, will become a preferred store of value, especially in regions where economic instability undermines confidence in traditional banking systems.

He emphasises that “foreign capital repatriation” and the diminishing purchasing power of massive holdings in US Treasurys will act as core accelerants for BTC’s price trajectory.

Hayes claims these pressures are likely to intensify depending on the outcome of the next US presidential election in 2028.

His logic hinges on how the next administration might shift economic and fiscal policy, potentially hastening investor flight into alternative assets like Bitcoin.

Central banks and policy uncertainty boost Bitcoin’s appeal

Hayes’ forecast coincides with a broader divergence in policy responses across regions.

While some countries are increasing their acceptance of Bitcoin, others, especially in Europe, are considering more stringent controls.

He criticised the European Central Bank for being overly restrictive, contrasting its stance with that of China, which, despite banning crypto trading, has not outlawed private Bitcoin ownership.

He warned that attempts to suppress Bitcoin in the eurozone could backfire, likening such policies to ineffective central planning.

In his view, institutional and retail investors in these regions should act quickly to shift wealth into decentralised assets before tighter restrictions come into force.

These geopolitical risks, combined with concerns over inflation, currency debasement, and ballooning government debt, are helping to solidify Bitcoin’s image as a hedge against systemic risk.

Big players see long-term growth potential

Hayes is not alone in his optimism. Institutional leaders, including Michael Saylor, CEO of business intelligence firm Strategy, and asset management giants like Fidelity Investments, have echoed similar sentiments.

Saylor, whose firm holds the largest Bitcoin reserve among public companies, has projected a long-term valuation of $10 trillion for Bitcoin.

His personal prediction stretches even further, with a price target of $13 million per coin by 2045.

Meanwhile, Hayes’ near-term forecasts have proven to be relatively accurate.

In April, he anticipated a return to the $100,000 level, while also identifying the mid-$70,000 range as a local bottom.

These predictions aligned closely with recent price movements, bolstering his credibility among retail and institutional investors.

Although a 900% price gain from current levels might seem far-fetched, proponents argue that in an era of growing debt and diminishing trust in fiat currencies, Bitcoin’s asymmetric upside cannot be ignored.

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Shiba Inu price rises 24% in 7 days, but short interest hints at reversal risk

  • Bollinger Band Trend shows shrinking momentum.
  • Long/short ratio falls below 1.0 as shorts gain.
  • Price risks correction toward $0.000010.

Shiba Inu (SHIB) has recorded a sharp upswing over the past week, climbing by 24% amid renewed investor appetite for meme coins.

At the time of writing, the altcoin trades at $0.00001606, rising a further 3% on the day.

Shiba inu price
Source: CoinMarketCap

However, several market indicators suggest that the rally may be losing steam.

Traders are increasingly placing bets against the token’s price, and multiple trend signals now point to weakening bullish momentum.

These developments could push SHIB into a period of consolidation or even spark a corrective move if current conditions persist.

BBTrend shows a decline in upward momentum

One of the most widely watched indicators for Shiba Inu’s price movement is the Bollinger Band Trend (BBTrend), which measures volatility and trend strength.

While SHIB has continued to rise in the short term, the shrinking BBTrend suggests the buying pressure that fuelled its recent rally is beginning to fade.

A loss in BBTrend strength often precedes either a price consolidation phase or a downward retracement.

If this pattern continues, SHIB could lose a portion of its recent gains and struggle to maintain its current valuation range.

Traders favour short positions as confidence dips

Further data from Coinglass shows that traders are turning increasingly bearish.

Since May 6, SHIB’s long/short ratio has remained below 1.0, with the latest reading at 0.96.

This ratio compares the number of long positions (betting the price will rise) to short positions (betting it will fall).

A value below 1.0 suggests that more traders are shorting SHIB than going long.

This growing short interest highlights a decline in market confidence.

It suggests that investors believe SHIB may not sustain its recent upward trajectory and are positioning for a downside correction.

CMF indicator signals declining buying pressure

The Chaikin Money Flow (CMF), another momentum indicator that tracks the flow of money in and out of an asset, also supports the bearish narrative.

SHIB’s CMF has been falling steadily and is currently close to breaking below the neutral zero line.

If the CMF dips below zero, it would indicate that selling pressure has overtaken buying pressure, often a precursor to a price decline.

Such a shift could push SHIB’s price lower in the near term, particularly if combined with rising short interest and weakening BBTrend signals.

SHIB is at a crossroads between consolidation and breakout

Despite the bearish indicators, SHIB’s price still holds above key support levels.

If broader crypto market sentiment improves or meme coin demand returns, the token could still attempt another leg higher, with the next major resistance seen near $0.000019.

On the downside, if current momentum continues to weaken, SHIB could slide back toward $0.000010 — erasing much of last week’s gains.

The direction will likely depend on how sentiment evolves in the coming days and whether short sellers continue to dominate order books.

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Sui DeFi TVL hits $2.093B, up 2.12% in 24h as ecosystem expands

  • Lending protocols post 78.86% monthly TVL growth.
  • Binance supports Sui airdrops and Alpha Points farming.
  • Mojito Loyalty launches for real-world brand rewards.

The Sui blockchain is gaining momentum in decentralised finance (DeFi) and real-world Web3 applications, with its total value locked (TVL) in DeFi rising to $2.093 billion.

This marks a 2.12% increase in the past 24 hours, as data points to accelerated user activity across lending platforms and Web3 integrations.

As competition between Layer-1 chains intensifies, Sui’s performance highlights its growing relevance as a Solana alternative, backed by a surge in liquidity, token listings, and enterprise adoption.

The network’s standout DeFi protocol, NAVI, and platforms like Mojito are playing key roles in driving this growth.

NAVI token listings lift Sui ecosystem liquidity

NAVI Protocol, the largest lending and borrowing platform on Sui, has led recent growth within the chain’s DeFi sector.

Its native token, NAVX, has been listed on Binance Alpha following an earlier debut on OKX.

These listings have improved NAVX liquidity, making it easier for users to engage with staking and borrowing features on the Sui chain.

Binance has also pledged support for Sui ecosystem asset airdrops for active traders.

The exchange’s low-slippage trading environment and integration of Alpha Points farming have made NAVX more accessible to users seeking yield strategies within the Sui ecosystem.

NAVI’s visibility on top exchanges is helping to position Sui as a competitive Layer-1 network alongside Solana, Avalanche, and Near, while fuelling growth across DeFi markets.

Mojito Loyalty platform targets $155b loyalty market

Sui’s appeal extends beyond DeFi. Mojito, a Web3 infrastructure provider best known for powering NFT platforms for brands like Mercedes-Benz and Sotheby’s, has launched Mojito Loyalty—a gamified, blockchain-based rewards system built entirely on Sui.

The platform allows brands to embed missions, on-chain rewards, and engagement tools directly into their Web2 interfaces without requiring extra wallets or third-party dashboards.

Mojito Loyalty has already seen early success with partners such as Cur8, which reported over 1,400 user missions completed within weeks of launch.

With the global loyalty market projected to hit $155 billion by 2029, Mojito’s Web3-native, white-label solution provides a decentralised alternative to traditional CRM systems.

Its integration with Sui’s scalable infrastructure ensures seamless, cost-effective engagement for brands.

SUI price drops despite ecosystem expansion

Despite strong growth in TVL and new integrations, the SUI token is currently trading at $3.91, down 2.13% over the past 24 hours.

While this decline contrasts with its ecosystem expansion, analysts suggest continued utility growth may drive long-term demand.

Data from DefiLlama shows Sui lending protocols have recorded a 78.86% increase in TVL in the past month, contributing to the broader $2.093 billion now locked across its DeFi platforms.

Rising incentives, favourable yields, and user-friendly designs have made Sui an increasingly attractive option for both institutional and retail DeFi participants.

As market volatility continues to affect short-term token prices, the underlying adoption metrics across Sui suggest it is well-positioned for sustained traction in both the financial and commercial blockchain sectors.

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XRP price dips to $2.54 but open interest hits $5.49B, signalling bullish pressure

  • MACD crossover supports bullish trend continuation.
  • XRP holds key support at $2.50, eyes $2.71 price target.
  • A break below $2.50 could push the price down to $2.29.

XRP has declined slightly to $2.54 in the past 24 hours, but rising open interest signals that traders may be preparing for a potential rebound.

According to derivatives data, open interest in XRP futures has surged to $5.51 billion, its highest level in three months, suggesting increased speculative activity and renewed bullish pressure even as the price cools.

Open interest refers to the total number of active derivative contracts that have not yet been settled.

When it rises alongside—or in spite of—price fluctuations, it often indicates new capital entering the market and a build-up of leveraged positions.

Despite the mild price correction, market participants appear to be positioning for a larger move.

XRP price
Source: CoinMarketCap

MACD indicator shows a bullish setup

Technical analysis further supports the case for an extended rally.

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator, a widely followed tool to assess market momentum, shows XRP’s MACD line well above its signal line.

This type of crossover is considered a bullish trigger by many traders.

The positive MACD setup suggests that buyers are currently in control.

If momentum continues to build, XRP could attract more volume, increasing the likelihood of a price breakout above the current range.

That said, this scenario would only remain valid if the token avoids slipping below key support levels.

Support at $2.50 remains crucial

XRP’s short-term outlook will hinge on its ability to maintain the $2.50 support zone.

A successful retest of this level could create enough buying pressure to retest the March high of $2.71.

Such a move would further reinforce the bullish trend, especially if open interest and volume continue to rise.

However, if the price fails to hold above $2.50, there is a risk of a deeper pullback.

The next significant level of support is located at $2.29, which could act as a price floor in the event of increased selling pressure.

Traders shift focus to XRP derivatives

While much of the broader crypto market remains subdued, XRP’s outperformance has shifted attention to its derivatives market.

The sharp rise in open interest reflects a renewed appetite for speculative positioning, particularly among traders looking to capitalise on short-term price moves.

The rally also arrives at a time when XRP has remained largely range-bound for several weeks.

The recent uptick in derivatives participation may signal a change in sentiment, with institutional and retail investors seeking exposure through leveraged instruments.

As always, the sustainability of the rally will depend on several external factors, including broader market sentiment, regulatory developments around Ripple, and macroeconomic cues.

But with open interest climbing and bullish technical patterns in place, XRP could continue to lead gains, at least in the near term.

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