XRP Price Prediction: Standard Chartered’s 2026 Forecast

What to Know:

• Standard Chartered projects XRP could reach $8 by 2026, driven by regulatory clarity and spot ETF inflows.
• The forecast hinges on the resolution of legal uncertainties and increased institutional investment in XRP.
• Successful XRP ETFs could pave the way for substantial price appreciation, impacting Ripple’s market position.

Standard Chartered has released a notably bullish forecast for XRP, anticipating a significant price surge in the coming years. The projection is rooted in the expectation of continued regulatory clarity and the growing adoption of spot XRP ETFs. This outlook suggests a potentially transformative period for XRP, driven by institutional participation and evolving market dynamics.

Standard Chartered’s $8 Target for XRP

Geoffrey Kendrick, Global Head of Digital Assets Research at Standard Chartered, has set a price target of $8 for XRP by 2026. Considering XRP’s current trading range, this forecast represents a substantial potential upside. Kendrick’s analysis points to a confluence of factors that could drive XRP’s valuation higher, primarily the resolution of legal uncertainties and the expansion of institutional investment vehicles.

Ripple’s Legal Resolution as a Catalyst

The resolution of the long-standing legal dispute between Ripple and the U.S. SEC has been a pivotal factor in shaping XRP’s outlook. The lawsuit, initiated in December 2020, revolved around the classification of XRP as a security. While the legal proceedings have been complex, the eventual outcome has provided a degree of clarity that has buoyed market sentiment. The final judgment in August 2024, requiring Ripple to pay a $125 million fine, marked a significant milestone in the case.

Spot XRP ETFs and Institutional Inflows

The introduction of spot XRP ETFs has opened new avenues for institutional investors to gain exposure to XRP. Asset managers like Canary, Franklin Templeton, 21Shares, Grayscale, and Bitwise have launched XRP products, providing regulated and accessible investment vehicles. Data indicates that spot XRP ETFs have already attracted substantial net inflows, reflecting growing institutional interest in XRP. As of late December, these ETFs have recorded over $1 billion in net inflows, with total assets under management reaching a similar milestone.

XRP Price Trajectory Beyond 2026

Standard Chartered’s bullish outlook extends beyond 2026, projecting further price appreciation for XRP in subsequent years. The bank suggests that XRP could reach $10.5 by 2027 and potentially climb to $12.5 by 2028. These forecasts are predicated on the continued maturation of the XRP market, driven by increased institutional adoption and the establishment of XRP as a mainstream financial asset. Achieving these price levels would require XRP to attain a substantial market capitalization, underscoring the magnitude of the projected growth.

Conclusion

Standard Chartered’s optimistic forecast for XRP hinges on the convergence of regulatory clarity and the expansion of institutional investment through spot ETFs. The resolution of legal uncertainties surrounding XRP has paved the way for increased market participation and the introduction of regulated investment products. If these trends continue, XRP could experience significant price appreciation, potentially reaching the bank’s target of $8 by 2026 and higher in the following years. However, as with any market forecast, these projections are subject to inherent uncertainties and evolving market conditions.

Related: Ripple Quietly Integrates With Europe’s TARGET2 System — What This Means for XRP

Source: Original article