Full story
Rakuten Integrates XRP
Rakuten integrated XRP into its payment infrastructure, giving 44 million users access to spend the cryptocurrency across more than 5 million merchants.
“Japan’s largest e-commerce platform, Rakuten, will bring XRP to over 44 million users”
Users can buy XRP using Rakuten Points and hold it within Rakuten Wallet.
The integration ties XRP into one of Japan's largest rewards systems, where over $23 billion worth of points are in circulation.
The move marks one of the most significant XRP milestones to date, according to Ripple's senior ecosystem growth manager.
XRP's price responded by climbing from around $1.32 to $1.38, breaking out of prior resistance on strong volume.
Market Reaction and Technicals
XRP's price moved from $1.32 to $1.38 on strong volume, breaking out of the resistance zone.
Whale accumulation and rising open interest indicated sustained buying.
XRP remains within a broader downtrend channel.
A clean break above $1.40 to $1.42 is needed to signal stronger upside momentum.
The 14-day RSI was at 61, and the MACD had a bullish value of 0.009.
Loyalty Points Conversion
Rakuten users can convert their loyalty points into XRP.
“Users will be able to convert those points into XRP and then use the token to load their Rakuten Cash balance”
Rakuten's points system has more than 3 trillion points in circulation, valued at roughly $23 billion.
This conversion enhances asset liquidity for users.
The integration creates a closed-loop ecosystem.
Analysts view this as a strategic play by Rakuten to enhance user engagement.
Regulatory and Market Context
Rakuten Wallet operates under a license from Japan’s Financial Services Agency.
The integration aligns with Japan’s progressive stance on cryptocurrency regulation.
Institutional interest in Ripple's token continues to grow in the United States.
Goldman Sachs became the largest disclosed holder of spot XRP ETF shares.
Several asset managers have filed for or launched spot XRP ETFs.