Uphold, a prominent crypto exchange, is pursuing strategic options to potentially go public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or be acquired by a larger financial firm. This follows the company’s recent high-profile promotional event in Las Vegas focused on attracting American crypto consumers. The move was prompted by increased interest from financial institutions, with Uphold’s CEO confirming that the company’s board has appointed FT Partners to explore these options. The company is currently being approached by a multitude of banks, brokers, and payment firms, with both IPO and acquisition under consideration. While Uphold’s precise valuation remains confidential, sources close to the discussions estimate it to exceed $1.5 billion. The potential IPO or acquisition reflects the rising interest in regulated crypto platforms among financial institutions, particularly those like Uphold that cultivate strong brand loyalty amongst communities like XRP holders. This strategic move by Uphold could signal a significant turning point not just for the company itself but also for broader crypto capital markets.