Standard Chartered has issued one of the most bullish mainstream forecasts for XRP, projecting a sharp revaluation driven by regulatory clarity and accelerating institutional access.
The call positions XRP among the bank’s highest-conviction digital asset views for the coming cycle.
Bank Targets Over 300% Upside From Current Levels
According to Geoffrey Kendrick, head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered, XRP could reach $8 by the end of 2026. At the time of the forecast, XRP was trading around $1.87 on December 31, 2025, implying a gain of more than 300% from current levels.
Kendrick’s outlook places XRP well above most consensus estimates and reflects a view that market structure, rather than short-term technicals, will dominate price formation over the next year.
Regulatory Clarity Removes Long-Standing Overhang
A central pillar of the forecast is the removal of legal uncertainty following the resolution of Ripple’s lawsuit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in August 2025. That outcome largely settled questions around XRP’s regulatory status in the United States.
Standard Chartered argues this development unlocked pent-up institutional demand. Large investors that previously avoided XRP due to compliance risk can now engage with the asset without legal ambiguity, broadening its potential investor base.
Spot XRP ETFs Seen as Major Supply Shock
The second catalyst highlighted by the bank is the emergence of spot XRP exchange-traded funds in the U.S. in late 2025. These products have already attracted over $1.25 billion in net inflows, signaling early institutional traction.
Looking ahead, Standard Chartered estimates that XRP ETFs could draw between $4 billion and $8 billion in additional inflows during 2026. Kendrick characterizes this dynamic as a potential supply shock, where sustained ETF demand absorbs available liquidity faster than new supply enters the market.
Forecast Stands Above Consensus, Risks Remain
While Standard Chartered’s target is among the most aggressive, other analysts remain more cautious. Average 2026 forecasts cluster between $3.90 and $5.12 per XRP, reflecting uncertainty around adoption pace and broader market conditions.
Some technical models also point to downside risk. Bearish patterns suggest XRP could revisit support near $1.25 before any sustained recovery, highlighting the potential for volatility along the way.
Despite these risks, Kendrick maintains a longer-term bullish stance. He has outlined an even higher projection of $12.50 by 2028, contingent on continued institutional adoption and XRP’s integration into regulated financial infrastructure.
