Crypto News: Crypto Market Cap Nears $4 Trillion as Ether and XRP Surge on U.S. Regulatory Breakthroughs

Key Takeaways:Global crypto market capitalization hits new highs near $4 trillion, just behind Nvidia’s $4.2 trillion valuation.ETH and XRP lead the rally, up 8% and 20% respectively, as U.S. House passes three major crypto bills.Analysts say the GENIUS Act and proposals to allow crypto in retirement plans could unlock trillions in capital.The total cryptocurrency market capitalization is rapidly approaching the $4 trillion mark, driven by sharp rallies in Ether (ETH) and XRP, alongside renewed investor optimism following significant regulatory wins in the United States.If achieved, the $4 trillion milestone would place the entire crypto market just behind Nvidia, currently the most valuable publicly traded company in the world at $4.2 trillion.According to CoinMarketCap, crypto's total market cap has reached $3.8 trillion, while TradingView reports it even closer at $3.9 trillion — both exceeding the previous all-time high of $3.73 trillion in December 2024. Some trackers like CoinGecko already show the market surpassing the $4T threshold.ETH and XRP Lead the ChargeBitcoin (BTC) reclaimed $120,000 on Thursday with modest gains, but the spotlight has shifted to Ether (ETH) and XRP, both of which surged in response to recent legislative developments in the U.S.Ether (ETH) jumped 8% to cross $3,600 for the first time since January — marking a 40% gain in just two weeks.XRP posted a 20% daily surge, touching $3.64, a new 2025 high.These moves come after the U.S. House of Representatives passed three key crypto bills ahead of the August congressional recess.U.S. Regulation Fuels Institutional OptimismThe bullish sentiment is being fueled by sweeping legislative and policy shifts in Washington. Analysts say the approval of the GENIUS Act, combined with Trump’s proposal to open retirement investment channels to crypto, could dramatically reshape the market.“Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies surged as traders entered a risk-on mode due to bullish regulatory and institutional developments,” said Nassar Al Achkar, chief strategy officer at CoinW.“We’re optimistic that this growth will continue as institutions race to advance integration with the crypto industry,” added Nick Ruck, director at LVRG Research.The potential inclusion of crypto in U.S. retirement plans could unlock trillions in institutional capital, analysts noted — further boosting price momentum and long-term adoption.What’s Next for Crypto?As the market inches closer to overtaking tech giants in total valuation, industry leaders say the recent surge signals more than just a price rally — it reflects growing recognition of crypto as core financial infrastructure.With regulatory clarity, ETF inflows, and corporate treasuries adding exposure across major assets like ETH and XRP, crypto's position in the global financial system appears more secure than ever.Should the market cap cross $4 trillion, it would mark a historic milestone and potentially usher in the next leg of the bull cycle — with Ethereum and Ripple’s XRP at the helm.