Circle IPO Aims for $10B Valuation, After Rejecting Ripple’s $5B Offer

Ripple’s much-awaited $5 billion bid to acquire Circle has reportedly been turned down, and legal expert John E. Deaton believes it’s because Circle sees a much larger opportunity ahead. According to Deaton, Circle is now focused on its upcoming IPO, expecting a potential valuation close to $10 billion, especially with favorable regulatory shifts and rising institutional interest in crypto.

Circle IPO Momentum Grows

Circle officially filed its S-1 with the U.S. SEC on April 1 and plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “CRCL.” Backed by financial giants JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup as lead underwriters, the IPO is expected to launch this summer. While its current IPO target is between $4 billion and $5 billion, Deaton believes market conditions and improved regulations could drive its valuation much higher, possibly matching its $9 billion target from a failed SPAC attempt in 2022. 

Crypto Eri explained that Ripple probably doesn’t want to buy Circle just to make money. Instead, Ripple could be trying to reduce competition. By owning Circle, Ripple would gain control over USDC, the second-biggest stablecoin in the market after Tether (USDT). That would help Ripple dominate the stablecoin space, push smaller competitors aside, and also get access to Circle’s payment network, which is expected to grow big time once Circle goes public through its IPO. 

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Regulatory Winds Turn in Crypto’s Favor

Moreover, the US regulations are changing fitting to crypto needs. Under the new administration, crypto regulation is taking a more supportive turn. One major step is the STABLE GENIUS Act, which lays out a clear framework for U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins. The bill offers state-level oversight for issuers with under $10 billion in assets and federal regulation for larger players, with strict audit and compliance standards.

Deaton says this new clarity, combined with political momentum and investor confidence, makes a $10 billion IPO valuation for Circle entirely possible. Rejecting Ripple’s $5B offer suggests Circle is confident in its long-term value and wants to go public on its terms.

Overall, Ripple’s bid may have been a strategic move, but Circle is signaling it doesn’t need a buyer; it needs a runway. And with the IPO on track and regulation on the way, that runway looks clearer than ever.