Cryptocurrency has changed how Americans think about money, investing and the future of finance. According to Bridger Pennington, host of Investment Fund Secrets Show, this is due to new regulations, big institutional investments and a pro-crypto government.

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Pennington said, “I think crypto peak interest as of recent times is increasing, as Trump is the most crypto president ever. We’ve seen the SEC repeal the SAB121 rules for crypto accounting, which now allows banks to hold crypto assets on their balance sheet. It seems like the next age of money will be crypto.”

From Wall Street giants like BlackRock to government agencies, there is a race to secure digital assets as the foundation for future finance. With these seismic shifts, Americans are asking which cryptocurrencies could become the next bitcoin. Here are the top contenders, backed by recent news and expert insights.

Ethereum: The Smart Contract Pioneer

Ethereum is often called the silver to bitcoin’s gold, but its technology may give it the edge to become the next bitcoin. According to Nasdaq, ethereum’s price surged 45% in the past month, outpacing bitcoin’s 14% gain, thanks to its latest upgrade, Pectra, which improved speed and efficiency. Ethereum’s platform also powers decentralized applications, NFTs and DeFi, making it a backbone for innovation in the crypto space.

With the SEC expected to offer new guidance on staking, ethereum could see even more institutional adoption and regulatory clarity this year. As more developers and investors flock to ethereum, its potential to surpass bitcoin in utility and value becomes increasingly likely.

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Ripple (XRP): Fast, Scalable and Bank-Ready

Ripple, with its digital asset XRP, has emerged as a leading candidate for global adoption in cross-border payments. Utkarsh Ahuja, crypto investor and founder of Moon Pursuit Capital, said, “I think ripple could be the next bitcoin, because it beats bitcoin in transaction speed. XRP transactions settle in just three to five seconds, and cost only a fraction of a cent. In comparison, bitcoin transactions can take 10 to 60 minutes, and traditional SWIFT transfers may take up to five business days.

Ripple’s speed and low cost make it attractive for banks and financial institutions looking to move money efficiently worldwide. Over 300 institutions have already adopted ripple’s technology, highlighting its growing influence in the financial sector. With its On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service, ripple could potentially replace SWIFT as the global leader in money transfer by enabling rapid cross-border payments without the need for pre-funded accounts.