XRP Could Hit $8 by 2026, Says Standard Chartered, Citing ETFs and Regulation

Standard Chartered Bank has issued a bullish forecast for XRP, predicting the cryptocurrency could surge to $8 by 2026—a potential 320% increase from its current levels. The bank highlights two key growth drivers: anticipated inflows into spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and improved regulatory clarity in the United States.

What We Know

Multiple sources confirm Standard Chartered's $8 price target for XRP by 2026. Currently trading just under $1.90, XRP has retraced nearly 50% from its all-time highs reached in July but remains the fifth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. Despite a mixed performance in 2025, XRP has stood out as one of the stronger performers in the crypto market.

Standard Chartered has pinpointed two primary catalysts for this projected price increase: the growth of institutional investment vehicles like spot ETFs and advancements in regulatory clarity.

Key Details

ETF Inflows as a Growth Catalyst

According to Standard Chartered's analysis, spot XRP ETFs could attract between $4 billion and $8 billion in inflows throughout 2026. Institutional investment through these vehicles is seen as a pivotal factor in XRP's growth trajectory. Early ETF performance has already demonstrated some institutional interest, with XRP ETFs accumulating approximately $1.25 billion in assets to date. However, to meet the $8 price target, annual inflows would need to accelerate significantly to between $5 billion and $10 billion.

Standard Chartered analyst Geoffrey Kendrick has also extended his forecasts beyond 2026, projecting that XRP could potentially reach $12.50 by 2028 if current trends persist. XRP's circulating supply of approximately 57 billion coins plays a critical role in these price calculations.

Regulatory Clarity: The Second Catalyst

The second major driver identified by Standard Chartered is increased regulatory clarity in the United States. The cryptocurrency industry continues to await definitive guidance from U.S. regulators regarding digital asset classifications and compliance requirements. A resolution on XRP's legal status, particularly following Ripple's prolonged legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), could serve as a significant catalyst for price movement.

What's Still Uncertain

While the forecast is optimistic, several uncertainties remain:

• Regulatory Timeline: The timeline and extent of regulatory clarity in the U.S. are still unclear, with no specific announcements regarding XRP's classification under securities laws.
• ETF Inflows: Whether spot XRP ETFs can generate the projected $4-$8 billion in inflows during 2026 is uncertain, as this would require a substantial acceleration from current accumulation rates.
• Longer-Term Projections: Achieving Kendrick's $12.50 target by 2028 depends on sustained institutional interest, broader cryptocurrency market conditions, and continued regulatory developments.

Why This Matters

Standard Chartered's forecast carries significant weight, as major financial institutions rarely issue such specific price projections for individual cryptocurrencies. The bank's involvement signals growing mainstream acceptance of digital assets.

For XRP investors, the $8 projection represents a potential 4x return over a two-year period, contingent on the realization of both identified catalysts. The emphasis on ETF inflows underscores the increasing role of traditional financial instruments in cryptocurrency price discovery.

Meanwhile, the regulatory clarity component highlights ongoing uncertainty surrounding XRP's legal status. A definitive resolution could either propel XRP to new heights or hinder its growth significantly.

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Key Entities: XRP, Standard Chartered, Geoffrey Kendrick
Sentiment: Bullish