In the Forbes article “Ripple Could Be The Next Bitcoin” Craig Cole of CryptoMaps states that

“Its faster transaction speeds and lower fees make it easier for financial systems to embrace the virtual currency, which is partly why Ripple’s value has increased dramatically just this year. Ripple is helping financial institutions save money and it is only expected to become even more prevalent in payment flows. The virtual currency is certainly on the rise and has the potential to be the first token to truly disrupt an industry, and if it does, expect Ripple to reach Bitcoin-like levels of ubiquity in the near future.”

Other experts agree. Right now you can’t outright purchase Ripple with fiat currency. To purchase Ripple you must use another cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or Ethereum. But if Coinbase adds it to their list of fiat exchangeable cryptocurrencies, the ability to purchase Ripple with dollars or other fiat currency will incrase interest and demand for Ripple.

Not all agree that Ripple will outpace Bitcoin or Ethereum. Even if Ripple moves up in the Bitcoin and Ethereum realm, it won’t likely occur until late 2018 and more likely 2019. So, Ripple investors will have to wait some time before they can duplicate the amazing success of early Bitcoin and Ethereum investors.

Read the entire Forbes article here.