Standard Chartered Predicts 330% XRP Upside as ETF Inflows and Adoption Accelerate

Standard Chartered predicts XRP could reach $8 in 2026 after spot ETFs attract $1.14B and regulatory clarity improves adoption.

XRP is gaining attention after Standard Chartered projected a 330% price increase by 2026. Geoffrey Kendrick, Head of Digital Assets Research at the bank, estimates XRP could reach $8.

The forecast follows approval of spot XRP ETFs and resolution of major legal uncertainties. Institutional investors are showing interest, and inflows into XRP ETFs have already exceeded $1.14 billion.

Regulatory Clarity Supports XRP Market Position

The final settlement of the Ripple and U.S. SEC lawsuit removed a major barrier for XRP.

The decision confirmed XRP is not classified as a security when traded on secondary markets.

This resolution allows regulated investors to hold XRP without facing legal ambiguity. Standard Chartered views the settlement as a turning point for XRP adoption.

Regulatory certainty has encouraged financial institutions to increase exposure to digital assets.

Analysts note that legal clarity improves confidence in XRP’s long-term potential. The resolution also levels the playing field compared to other major cryptocurrencies.

Spot XRP ETFs Drive Institutional Investment

Nonetheless, spot XRP ETFs began trading in late 2025 and quickly attracted capital from investors. SoSoValue data shows total inflows into these ETFs reached $1.14 billion by December 26.

The consistent inflows suggest growing interest from asset managers and long-term investors. ETFs provide regulated exposure, allowing strategic allocations rather than short-term speculative trades.

Several asset managers, including Franklin Templeton and Grayscale, launched XRP ETF products following approval.

Combined assets under management for these products range between $1.2 and $1.25 billion.

Analysts report that XRP ETF inflows have been more stable than Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. This trend indicates institutions may prefer assets with clearer regulatory frameworks.

Price Movements Remain Moderate Despite Positive Developments

XRP trades near $1.85 and has not shown large gains following ETF launches.

Analysts attribute the price range to broader market weakness and cautious investor sentiment.

Short-term traders have taken profits, and macroeconomic conditions continue to influence digital asset prices.

ETF inflows do not always translate into immediate price increases. Many issuers source liquidity through over-the-counter markets, which absorbs supply slowly.

Market strategists note that steady ETF purchases could support gradual long-term price growth.

XRP’s current consolidation may allow the market to adjust before any major upward movement.

XRP is trading at $1.86 showcasing a price drop of 1.54% over the last 24 hours. XRP has seen a substantial activity of $3.07B in 24-hour futures volume and $671.01M in spot trading.

XRP’s market cap stands at $112.95B, supported by an open interest of $3.28B.

With a circulating supply of 60.57B tokens, the market remains highly liquid, reflecting ongoing investor interest and strong trading momentum.

Related Reading: Standard Chartered and Ant Launch Real-Time Tokenized Deposits in Hong Kong

Institutional Adoption and Utility Could Support Long-Term Growth

XRP continues to serve a role in RippleNet for cross-border payments. Financial institutions in Asia and other regions maintain interest in blockchain settlement solutions.

Analysts suggest that utility-driven adoption may support long-term valuation changes. Ongoing partnerships and real-world usage may strengthen the demand for XRP over time.

Standard Chartered’s forecast assumes sustained ETF inflows and growing adoption into 2026.

XRP may reach $8 if regulatory clarity continues and institutional investment expands. The market is entering a new phase where legal resolution and ETF availability shape investor behavior.

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