Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has expressed 90% confidence in a favorable regulatory outcome for XRP in the United States, sending the cryptocurrency higher in Thursday trading. The optimistic statement comes just weeks after SBI Holdings launched a 10 billion Yen blockchain bond with XRP rewards.
Following the resolution of the SEC lawsuit in 2025, XRP reached a peak of $3.65 and has since stabilized around $2.15 in early 2026. Multiple asset managers, including Grayscale, have filed for XRP ETF applications, signaling growing institutional interest.
Key Catalysts for XRP in 2026
- ETF Applications: Grayscale and other asset managers pursuing spot XRP ETFs
- RLUSD Stablecoin: Ripple launched USD-pegged stablecoin to complement XRP ecosystem
- SBI Bond Initiative: Japanese financial giant integrates XRP rewards into blockchain bonds
- CNBC Endorsement: Major financial network named XRP as a “breakout trade” for 2026
Price Predictions and Analyst Views
Alibaba AI has released price predictions for XRP by end of 2026, while Altcoin Daily analysts suggest that 1,000 XRP could be worth approximately $9,000 if current momentum continues.
“The regulatory clarity we are seeing is unprecedented,” says Carlos Martinez, altcoin specialist at Bitcoins News. “XRP is positioning itself as one of the few cryptocurrencies with clear legal status in the US, which could drive significant institutional adoption.”
Technical Analysis
XRP first-week surge of 25% in January 2026 was driven by ETF inflows and bullish market sentiment. Key resistance levels to watch include $2.50 and the psychological $3.00 barrier.