Wondering if Stellar (XLM) can regain or even surpass its previous all-time high in the next bull market? This article blends practical experience, real data analysis, and industry voices to help you get a clear, friendly view. I’ll walk you through what actually moves XLM’s price, what could trigger a big rally, and—crucially—where the roadblocks might be. Plus, you’ll see how different countries’ approaches to “verified trade” influence crypto like Stellar, with a real-world case and some expert takes. If you’re tired of pure speculation and want insight you can actually use, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get this out of the way: Stellar’s previous all-time high (ATH) was around $0.94 in early 2018, according to CoinMarketCap. Since then, it’s danced all over the chart, but hasn’t come close to that level again. Every crypto bull market reignites the “can it get back?” chatter. For investors, this is about more than nostalgia—it’s about whether there’s real fuel for another rocket ride, or if Stellar’s best days are behind it.
This is exactly the question I set out to answer, not by wishful thinking, but by digging into what actually drives XLM’s value. I’ll share my own hands-on experience using Stellar, plus what industry experts and regulators are saying about the future of cross-border crypto.
I’ve transferred money using Stellar’s network—specifically, I tried sending $50 worth of XLM from the U.S. to a friend in the Philippines. The process was refreshingly fast (a few seconds), and the fees were almost nothing. I’ll admit, I bumbled through the first try because I copied the wrong destination tag. (Pro tip: double-check that part. I got a “transaction failed” message, which was an easy fix but a bit panic-inducing the first time.)
The whole experience made it obvious why Stellar pitches itself as the “blockchain for payments.” But here’s where I hit a reality check: outside of crypto circles, hardly anyone I spoke to in the Philippines actually uses XLM for remittances. Western Union, banks, and even GCash (a local mobile wallet) are still the norm. So while the tech is slick, the adoption story is still... developing.
This matches what analysts like CoinDesk and Crypto Briefing report: Stellar’s value is ultimately about usage, not just hype.
I reached out to a friend who works at a mid-sized European fintech (they asked not to be named, but they’re plugged into the cross-border payments scene). Their take? “If one major remittance company—think TransferWise or Remitly—fully integrated Stellar, that would be a game-changer. Until then, banks aren’t moving fast and regulation is still a gray zone.”
This echoes what the IMF warned in 2023 about cross-border crypto: global standards are uneven, and regulators from the EU, US, and Asia are all taking different approaches.
So, what could actually trigger a big move for XLM? Based on my research and direct experiments, here are the most realistic catalysts:
One thing people overlook is how different countries define and enforce “verified trade” in the context of digital assets. For instance, the EU’s MiCA regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets, full text here) sets strict rules for crypto service providers, while the US has a patchwork of state laws and ongoing SEC litigation.
| Country/Region | Standard Name | Legal Basis | Enforcement Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) | Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 | ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority) |
| United States | FinCEN Guidance, SEC/State Laws | FinCEN Guidance, various SEC actions | FinCEN, SEC, CFTC, State regulators |
| Japan | Payment Services Act (PSA) | PSA Amendments | Financial Services Agency (FSA) |
| Singapore | Payment Services Act | Payment Services Act | Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) |
These differences matter. For example, under MiCA, exchanges listing XLM must perform strict due diligence—making it easier for big European fintechs to feel safe integrating Stellar. In the US, though, ongoing SEC lawsuits against Ripple (XRP) and Coinbase have spooked some partners, leading to delistings or hesitancy.
Let’s rewind to 2021. A small payments provider in the UK wanted to use Stellar rails to send remittances to Kenya. Here’s what happened (I followed this in a Reddit thread and later checked the company’s blog):
UK regulators were fine with the experiment—since the provider had a registered EMI license and followed KYC. But Kenya’s Central Bank flagged the incoming Stellar transactions as “unverified,” citing their own rules on digital remittances. For weeks, funds got stuck in limbo. It was only after the provider partnered with a licensed local payout agent (who did extra customer checks) that the flow resumed.
This kind of regulatory mismatch is a real-world speed bump for Stellar’s adoption. Even if the tech works, legal alignment (or lack thereof) can slow things down dramatically.
I joined a Twitter Spaces with Denelle Dixon, CEO of the Stellar Development Foundation, in late 2023. Her point was blunt: “We’re building for the long run. Price will follow utility, not the other way around.” She also highlighted the MoneyGram partnership as proof that mainstream finance is warming up to Stellar—but admitted more is needed for mass adoption.
Independent analysts, like Mike McGraw, argue that while Stellar’s fundamentals are solid, the crowded competition in payments (with Ripple, Ethereum, and even CBDCs) will make it tough to “moon” without a breakthrough event.
Data backs this up: during the 2021 bull run, XLM only reached ~$0.73, well below its 2018 ATH, despite overall crypto euphoria (source: CoinMarketCap).
Based on practical experience, expert voices, and a close look at regulatory realities, here’s where I land: It’s possible for XLM to revisit or even surpass its ATH in a future bull market, but it’s far from guaranteed. The triggers are clear—a big new partnership, regulatory clarity in major markets, or a true surge in real-world remittance volumes.
However, the fragmented global standards for “verified trade” and digital asset compliance make a smooth, worldwide rollout tricky. If you’re betting on XLM, watch not just the hype cycles, but also regulatory news and live adoption stats (try tools like stellar.expert for network activity).
My advice, after messing around with XLM myself and following both the drama and the data: treat ATH predictions with healthy skepticism, but don’t count Stellar out—especially if you see big fintechs jumping in. And always double-check your destination tags.
For next steps: keep an eye on regulatory updates (especially MiCA in Europe), watch for new Stellar partnerships, and consider following both official reports and community forums for the real story.