According to Eleanor Terrett, a 2021 internal SEC email revealed that staff considered consulting a blockchain expert on the potential impacts to the XRP network if Ripple were to 'walk away,' aiming to evaluate XRP Ledger's dependence on Ripple versus its decentralization, especially in comparison to networks like Bitcoin. This assessment is crucial for traders as any findings on XRP's centralization could influence regulatory actions, trading sentiment, and XRP price volatility. Traders should closely monitor updates, as increased scrutiny may affect liquidity and strategic positioning in the XRP market (Source: Eleanor Terrett, Twitter, May 7, 2025).