Ripple’s native cryptocurrency, XRP, has surged past $2.42, marking its highest price in over 50 days amid growing optimism following a landmark legal resolution with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The $50 million settlement effectively closes a five-year regulatory battle, paving the way for renewed institutional interest and potential financial innovation around the asset. With this momentum, Standard Chartered has issued a bold forecast: XRP could see 400% price gains by 2026, potentially reaching $8.00, driven by macroeconomic tailwinds, increasing adoption in cross-border payments, and rising expectations for a spot XRP ETF.
This comprehensive analysis explores the technical, fundamental, and institutional drivers behind XRP’s rally, while integrating key insights from Standard Chartered’s digital asset research team.
XRP Reaches 50-Day High After SEC Settlement
XRP climbed to $2.42 on Friday, its strongest level since late March 2025, fueled by Ripple Labs’ confirmation of a $50 million settlement with the SEC. This resolution ends one of the longest-running legal disputes in the crypto industry and signals a shift toward regulatory clarity for digital assets.
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The price surge aligns with broader risk-on sentiment across the crypto market. Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Dogecoin (DOGE) all posted double-digit weekly gains, but XRP outperformed them all, rising over 13.5% in the past month and closing near $2.34. Over the last year, XRP has gained an impressive 349.7%, demonstrating resilience despite prolonged legal uncertainty.
This rebound reflects more than just relief trading—it underscores growing confidence in XRP’s utility and long-term viability as a settlement asset in global finance.
Standard Chartered’s Bullish Outlook: $8 by 2026
Geoffrey Kendrick, head of digital asset research at Standard Chartered, has issued one of the most optimistic price forecasts for XRP to date. In a recent report, he projected:
- $5.50 by end of 2025
- $8.00 by 2026
- $10.40 by 2027
- $12.25 by 2029
That would represent a potential 428% increase from current levels.
Kendrick attributes this upside to XRP’s unique role in facilitating cross-border and cross-currency payments—a sector expected to grow rapidly as institutions seek faster, cheaper alternatives to traditional banking rails.
“XRP is uniquely positioned at the heart of one of the fastest-growing uses for digital assets: facilitation of cross-border and cross-currency payments,” Kendrick stated.
He also highlighted several converging catalysts:
- Improving macroeconomic conditions, including potential rate cuts and increased liquidity
- Strong investor appetite for altcoins
- Pro-crypto regulatory momentum, especially under anticipated policy shifts
- Growing speculation around a spot XRP ETF approval
Standard Chartered expects U.S. regulators could approve a spot XRP ETF before October 2025, which might attract up to $8 billion in inflows during its first year—a game-changer for market depth and retail accessibility.
Market Sentiment and Betting Odds Favor XRP ETF Approval
Prediction markets are increasingly aligning with institutional forecasts. According to Polymarket, there’s a 77% probability that a spot XRP ETF will launch by 2025. On Kalshi, traders give XRP a 55% chance of outperforming Bitcoin in 2025—a significant vote of confidence given BTC’s dominance.
These odds reflect more than speculation; they signal shifting perceptions about XRP’s legitimacy and growth trajectory. The combination of legal resolution, real-world utility, and ETF potential has created a powerful narrative that’s attracting both retail and institutional capital.
Additionally, the Biden administration’s 90-day tariff pause—set to expire July 8—has added urgency to trade-related narratives, further boosting sentiment around assets like XRP that are tied to international payment flows.
Technical Analysis: Can XRP Break Past $2.60?
From a technical standpoint, XRP shows strong bullish momentum:
- A decisive daily close above the mid-Keltner Channel at $2.19 confirms buyer control.
- Price is now testing the upper Keltner band at $2.41, with a breakout likely if support holds.
- Volume Delta spiked to $22.43 million in net buying volume on Thursday—the highest in two weeks—validating demand at key levels.
The MACD histogram is firmly positive, with the MACD line (0.0260) crossing above both the signal line (0.0139) and zero line (0.0122). This indicates bullish divergence and suggests accelerating upward momentum.
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That said, a sustained close above $2.41 is required to confirm the breakout. Failure here could lead to rejection, especially if the current candle forms a long upper wick.
On the downside:
- Immediate support rests at $2.19
- A break below that level could target the lower Keltner Channel at $1.98
If bullish momentum continues, however, XRP could retest its March high near $2.60 in the coming sessions.
Why XRP Stands Out in the Altcoin Landscape
While many altcoins rely on speculative narratives or niche use cases, XRP differentiates itself through:
- Real-world utility: Used by financial institutions via RippleNet for fast, low-cost international settlements.
- Scalability: Capable of handling 1,500+ transactions per second with minimal fees.
- Energy efficiency: Unlike proof-of-work coins, XRP uses a consensus algorithm with negligible environmental impact.
- Regulatory progress: The SEC settlement removes a major overhang that previously deterred institutional adoption.
These fundamentals make XRP not just another speculative token—but a viable infrastructure layer for next-generation financial systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is XRP price rising?
XRP is gaining momentum due to Ripple’s $50 million settlement with the SEC and growing optimism around a potential spot ETF approval.
What is Standard Chartered’s XRP price prediction?
The bank forecasts XRP could reach $5.50 by late 2025 and climb to $8.00 by 2026, with further gains expected through 2029.
When could a spot XRP ETF be approved?
Standard Chartered anticipates U.S. regulators may approve a spot XRP ETF before October 2025, with Polymarket pricing in a 77% chance of launch next year.
What factors support XRP’s long-term growth?
Key drivers include its role in cross-border payments, improving macro conditions, rising altcoin demand, and increasing regulatory clarity.
Is XRP a good investment now?
With strong technicals, institutional backing, and multiple catalysts ahead, many analysts view XRP as one of the most compelling altcoin opportunities in 2025.
How does XRP compare to Bitcoin and Ethereum?
While BTC serves as digital gold and ETH powers smart contracts, XRP specializes in fast, scalable cross-border settlements—filling a distinct niche in global finance.
Final Thoughts: A Catalyst-Rich Road Ahead
The convergence of legal resolution, institutional endorsement, technical strength, and ETF speculation positions XRP for potentially explosive growth over the next few years. With Standard Chartered forecasting 400%+ gains by 2026, and prediction markets reflecting growing confidence, now may be a pivotal moment for investors assessing XRP’s long-term potential.
Whether you're evaluating fundamentals, technicals, or macro trends, the data increasingly points to one conclusion: XRP is no longer just surviving—it's starting to thrive.
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