XRP has ambitious goals, but reaching widespread adoption is a serious challenge.

After spending years below $1, XRP ( XRP -1.95% ) has skyrocketed over the last year, gaining 385% (as of Sept. 23). That's far better than Bitcoin , Ethereum , and every other top 10 cryptocurrency.

However, growth has slowed recently, raising questions about XRP's long-term value. Here's what will make or break it.

XRP needs increased adoption with financial institutions

Ripple, a blockchain payments company, is the issuer of XRP and the developer of a global payments network intended to serve as an alternative to SWIFT. Through RippleNet, cross-border payments are more affordable and take as little as three to five seconds.

XRP's success is largely tied to its role on RippleNet. It's t

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