While retail traders chase the latest meme coin pumps, seasoned crypto analysts are eyeing a very different trend — real-world utility. The next bull market, many believe, will reward projects solving tangible problems in supply chains, compliance, digital identity, and enterprise-grade transactions.
One of the voices leading this narrative is crypto analyst John Kiguru (@Shawn254Guru), who recently stated on the X platform:
The smart money is rotating out of speculative hype and into protocols that are battle-tested, regulatory-compliant, and solving real-world problems. VeChain, IOTA, and the XRP Ledger are some of the clearest examples.
Here’s a closer look at why these three projects are emerging as top picks in the utility-first era of blockchain.
VeChain has become a leader in enterprise-grade blockchain applications, especially insupply chain transparency and sustainability. Its partnerships with major players like PwC, Walmart China, and most recently the UN and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), have elevated its credibility in the enterprise space.
Key developments:
VeBetterDAO: Incentivizes eco-friendly behavior through decentralized governance and rewards.
B3 Debit Card Initiative: Real-world crypto spending powered by VeChain, enabling mass adoption.
Carbon Tracking & ESG Compliance: VeChain is ahead of the curve as global regulations increasingly require supply chain visibility and carbon footprint disclosures.
“VeChain isn’t just about token price — it’s building the infrastructure for a transparent, accountable global economy,” notes John Kiguru.
🌐 IOTA: The Infrastructure Layer for Smart Cities and Digital Identity
While most blockchains rely on miners or validators, IOTA uses a DAG-based architecture (the Tangle) — a feeless, scalable alternative optimized for IoT and machine-to-machine communication.
Now entering a new era with its L1 Move integration, IOTA is positioning itself alongside Aptos and Sui as one of the few networks to support smart contracts in the Move language, built for secure and composable Web3 development.
Key highlights:
IOTA 2.0 Testnet (Nectar): Aiming for full decentralization and increased throughput.
Integration with the European Union’s EBSI project: Enabling cross-border digital identity and trust services.
Rebased and Real-World Asset tokenization: A bold step into DeFi and regulated tokenized assets.
“IOTA’s pivot to support Move smart contracts is a game-changer. It makes IOTA a true contender in the next-gen smart contract ecosystem,” Kiguru emphasizes.
💸 XRP Ledger (XRPL): The Backbone of Global Value Transfer
Often caught in the legal spotlight, XRP and the XRP Ledger are now emerging stronger than ever. Following a partial legal victory against the SEC, XRP is regaining momentum as a liquidity bridge for cross-border payments.
Key advancements:
XRPL AMM & Hooks: Native decentralized finance capabilities are rolling out.
Tokenization and Real Estate Pilots: XRPL is working with governments and private entities to tokenize property and bonds.
Partnerships with banks and fintechs: RippleNet and On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) are already being used by over 300 financial institutions.
“XRP has matured. It’s no longer about hype, but about enterprise-grade efficiency in a global system riddled with inefficiencies,” Kiguru points out.
🧠 Final Thoughts
In a market crowded with noise and speculation, the projects that actually matter are often overlooked. VeChain, IOTA, and XRP are quietly building solutions that integrate blockchain into everyday life — from verifying a product’s origin to enabling instant cross-border payments and managing digital identity at scale.
As John Kiguru puts it:
Utility is the new alpha. The next cycle will be won not by promises, but by protocols delivering real-world value.
