- Standard Chartered predicts XRP could surge up to 330%, targeting $8 in 2026.
- The bullish case centers on regulatory clarity and growing XRP ETF adoption.
- ETF inflows often impact price slowly due to OTC execution methods.
In a fresh shift of tone, Standard Chartered has turned decisively bullish on XRP, projecting a sharp upside move tied to regulatory clarity and growing ETF adoption. According to the banking giant, Ripple’s token could surge as much as 330% from current levels, fueled by what it sees as a still-developing ETF narrative. The forecast stands out at a time when much of the crypto market remains cautious and range-bound.
Geoffrey Kendrick Points to Regulation and ETFs
Standard Chartered analyst Geoffrey Kendrick believes the new year could unlock renewed momentum for XRP. In a recent note, Kendrick highlighted how improving regulatory clarity around digital assets may create a more supportive environment for innovation. Combined with rising interest in spot XRP ETFs, he argues the setup could materially improve XRP’s longer-term price prospects.
Kendrick’s base case sees XRP pushing toward the $8 level in 2026 if these conditions continue to align. The thesis leans heavily on the idea that ETFs can gradually drive adoption, even if price reactions aren’t immediate.
ETF Inflows Are Growing, Even if Price Isn’t
On-chain data appears to support the adoption narrative. According to SoSoValue, spot XRP ETFs have recorded roughly $1.14 billion in net inflows as of Dec. 26. While that figure is notable, it has left many traders wondering why XRP’s price hasn’t reacted more aggressively to the demand.
Why ETF Buying Doesn’t Instantly Move Price
Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan recently addressed that exact question. In a video breakdown, Hougan explained that large ETF purchases are typically executed through over-the-counter trades rather than directly on exchanges. This approach helps minimize slippage and prevents sudden price spikes that could work against large buyers.
Once a market maker sources XRP through OTC channels, those tokens are then delivered to the ETF’s custodian. The result is steady accumulation without the kind of explosive price action retail traders often expect. Over time, however, sustained demand can still tighten supply and influence price discovery.
A Long Game, Not a Short-Term Spike
Taken together, Standard Chartered’s outlook suggests XRP’s potential upside may be more structural than immediate. Regulatory clarity, ETF inflows, and gradual institutional participation could reshape the market over months, not days. Whether XRP ultimately reaches $8 remains uncertain, but the bank’s forecast underscores growing confidence that the ETF era could be a meaningful catalyst.
