Instruction Manual: The ripple effect: navigating an XRP investment decision

The “Ripple vs XRP Dilemma” case examines the challenges faced by John Valdez, a financial advisor, as he navigates the complex world of cryptocurrency investments for his tech entrepreneur client, Steven Baker. Steven is particularly intrigued by XRP, a cryptocurrency he believes could become a standard for global transactions and seeks John’s guidance on whether to invest directly in XRP or gain exposure through Ripple Labs, the private company behind the cryptocurrency.

As John investigates XRP’s functionality and its ties to Ripple Labs, he confronts the challenges of limited expertise, regulatory uncertainties and the strategic differences between crypto assets and...