- Standard Chartered forecasts XRP could hit $8 in 2026, over 300% growth potential.
- Institutional confidence driven by Ripple’s settlement and liquidity solutions.
- XRP market rebounds with strong gains, supported by broader crypto momentum.
The crypto market is starting 2026 with renewed optimism, and XRP is catching the eye of institutional investors. Standard Chartered, a bank that has worked closely with Ripple since 2015, has set a bold target for XRP, forecasting a potential rise to $8 this year—a gain of over 300% from current levels. This projection signals that major financial players see significant utility in XRP beyond retail speculation.
Why Standard Chartered’s Forecast Matters
Levi Rietveld, founder of Crypto Crusaders, recently highlighted the significance of the bank’s outlook in a video. According to Rietveld, the forecast is more than a price prediction—it reflects years of firsthand experience with Ripple’s technology and institutional strategy. The bank’s long-standing involvement in Ripple’s ecosystem gives it insights that retail traders might lack.
Rietveld explained that Standard Chartered’s $8 target aligns with the broader adoption of XRP in cross-border payments and liquidity solutions. It’s a forward-looking view, grounded in utility rather than market hype, and indicates confidence that XRP could play a growing role in institutional settlement systems.
Market Context: XRP and Broader Crypto Gains
The forecast comes amid a wider crypto market rebound. In the past week, XRP surged more than 26% to $2.39, reaching a seven-week high. Bitcoin and Ether also posted gains, with BTC climbing to $93,800 and ETH surpassing $3,200. Major US crypto firms and mining companies saw double-digit stock rallies, driven in part by renewed investor interest and the growing adoption of AI-focused infrastructure.
Crypto data platform Glassnode noted that improving liquidity and reduced sell-side pressure are contributing to the market upswing. Analysts suggest Bitcoin and XRP may be transitioning from corrective phases into a fragile consolidation, setting the stage for further institutional participation.
Institutional Confidence Could Drive XRP Growth
Rietveld emphasized that Standard Chartered’s involvement is particularly meaningful because banks assess assets based on regulatory compliance, infrastructure readiness, and real transaction demand. An $8 target suggests that Ripple’s network may be poised to scale within those constraints.
This outlook signals that XRP’s relevance is extending beyond short-term trading, as institutions increasingly explore blockchain-based settlement solutions. The combination of regulatory clarity, expanding adoption, and institutional engagement positions XRP as a high-profile digital asset in 2026.
Also Read: XRP Breaks Out: 3 Signals Pointing to a Bigger 2026 Rally
With both market momentum and institutional validation, XRP is entering 2026 under a spotlight. While retail investors watch price movements, the influence of major financial players like Standard Chartered could be the defining factor in XRP’s trajectory this year.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of CoinBrief.io. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. CoinBrief.io is not responsible for any financial losses.
