XRP Projected To Reach $8 By 2026: Standard Chartered Identifies Two Major Catalysts

Despite a combined efficiency all through 2025, XRP has emerged as one of many standout performers within the cryptocurrency market. Currently buying and selling barely under $1.90, the fifth-largest cryptocurrency has retraced almost 50% from its all-time highs achieved in July. 

Nevertheless, Standard Chartered is optimistic about XRP’s future, forecasting a major upward pattern pushed by anticipated inflows into spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and elevated regulatory readability.

Spot XRP ETFs Could Drive $4-$8 Billion In Inflows 

The financial institution predicts that the launch of spot XRP ETFs might herald between $4 billion and $8 billion into XRP all through 2026. Should these inflows materialize, the ensuing demand—coupled with XRP’s comparatively restricted provide—might catalyze a pointy enhance within the coin’s worth. 

Analyst Geoffrey Kendrick has laid out an formidable roadmap for XRP’s future, anticipating costs of $8.00 in 2026, and doubtlessly reaching $12.50 by 2028.

To put this into perspective, XRP’s present circulating provide is roughly 57 billion cash. Even modest inflows of some billion {dollars} might create a significant provide shock out there. 

So far, XRP ETFs have gathered round $1.25 billion. To attain the $8 goal, it will require annual flows to hit the vary of $5 billion to $10 billion, just like the preliminary enthusiasm surrounding Bitcoin ETFs.

Regulatory Resolution As Key Catalyst 

A parallel issue influencing XRP’s potential rise is the decision of regulatory uncertainty surrounding the cryptocurrency. The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) long-standing lawsuit in opposition to Ripple Labs has considerably impacted XRP’s narrative. 

Yet, in August 2025, the SEC withdrew its attraction, leading to Ripple agreeing to a $125 million settlement and affirming that XRP gross sales on secondary markets will not be categorised as securities transactions. 

This decision eliminates a considerable authorized burden and is seen by Standard Chartered as a catalyst for elevated adoption. With authorized uncertainties eliminated, capital that had been sidelined might lastly enter the market.

However, for XRP to attain a worth of $8 by 2026, favorable financial circumstances, together with low rates of interest and a risk-on perspective amongst traders, could be vital. Should macroeconomic challenges escalate, traders might shrink back from altcoins.

Featured picture from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com