2026-01-04 11:22:32

XRP is currently in a critical transformation phase. Once a target of regulatory risks, it is now evolving into a core payment asset in the eyes of mainstream institutions driven by multiple positive factors.

The most direct signal comes from breakthroughs at the regulatory level. The 2025 settlement of the lawsuit with the SEC cleared years of compliance hurdles, allowing institutional investors to hold XRP without worries. Following closely is the acceleration of real-world applications—payment giants like Western Union and several banks have launched XRP cross-border pilot projects, with related reserve assets exceeding $1 billion. This is not just a concept; real funds are flowing.

The ETF route is even more aggressive. Since the launch of the US spot XRP ETF in November 2025, it has absorbed over $1.2 billion in net inflows within just four months (data as of January 2026). Standard Chartered's forecast is more aggressive—they believe that in 2026, incremental funds could pour in between $50 billion and $100 billion. Such a massive influx of capital could rewrite price dynamics.

Technological upgrades are also progressing in tandem. XRPL is about to undergo version 2.0 upgrade, with transaction processing capacity (TPS) expected to surpass 100,000, and confirmation times reduced to under 3 seconds—meaning processing capabilities will approach Visa-level. Coupled with Ripple’s ongoing efforts in the payments sector, the practicality and market appeal of the entire ecosystem are increasing significantly.

From a trading perspective, current support levels are in the $1.75-$2.10 range, with upward targets at $2.36-$3.00, $3.66-$4.00, and further out at the $8 level (according to Standard Chartered’s long-term ETF catalyst forecast). Stop-loss is set below the psychological support at $1.40.

The period of accumulation often occurs just before a turning point. After years of policy suppression, XRP now benefits from the removal of regulatory barriers, open channels for institutional entry, and expanding ecological applications. Both time and space are becoming favorable. In 2026, it may indeed be worth paying attention to this once-overlooked payment blockchain.

XRP-2,24%

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GateUser-3824aa38

· 01-07 11:20

Wow, 1.2 billion flowed in within just four months? If that's true, how crazy will the next 50 to 100 billion be? XRP has made a comeback, much better than those days when it was suppressed. The lawsuit settlement should have happened a long time ago. Why did it take so long, and why is it only being settled now? Are institutions really starting to enter the market? Then I need to reevaluate my holdings. If v2.0上线 can truly reach 100,000 TPS, then it really looks like a proper payment chain.

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ForkThisDAO

· 01-04 13:20

Wow, this time it's really not hype, Western Union is listed? Wait, ETF 1.2 billion in four months? This is just the beginning. Finally got past this regulatory hurdle, institutions dare to buy. But $8... Is Standard Chartered's prediction too optimistic? Haha. Support level at 1.75 is stable enough, risk is controllable.

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LightningLady

· 01-04 11:51

Wait, did the SEC settlement really clear the obstacles? Why do I still feel a bit anxious? It sounds really impressive, but are these numbers real or just storytelling? An ETF inflow of 1.2 billion sounds like a lot, but how does it compare to the overall market size? Can XRPL v2.0 catch up with Visa? I've heard this many times before, but how many have actually been implemented? As for expanding payment scenarios, I'm just waiting to see actual applications before making any judgments.

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BearMarketSunriser

· 01-04 11:50

Wait, after the SEC settlement, can XRP really turn things around? I always feel like this story is too good to be true... --- Western Union is already on board? That’s definitely different; this time it’s not just talk. --- From 50 billion to 100 billion, is Standard Chartered’s prediction a bit too optimistic? Haha. --- V2.0 TPS breaks 100,000, sounds impressive, but actually running at that level is another story. --- $8? Alright, I’ll take a position first, and see how things look at the end of the year. --- Will institutions really step in this time, or is it just another round of cutting the leeks? --- From being disliked at over $1 to now, there has to be a comeback at some point. --- Regulatory relief plus ETFs plus applications—this combo punch is hard to ignore if it doesn’t push prices up. --- After so many years working on cross-border payments, why is it only now gaining traction? --- I’m a bit interested at the 2.36 level, but it depends on whether the trading volume can support it.

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BlockBargainHunter

· 01-04 11:45

Western Union is now live? This is really not just hype anymore, it's a real application scenario.

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ThesisInvestor

· 01-04 11:41

Western Union is already in use, now it's really not just talk.

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GasFeeTherapist

· 01-04 11:33

Western Union has moved, this is no longer just talk Institutions are really rushing to get involved, this wave feels different Standard Chartered from 50 billion to 100 billion? That's a bit exaggerated but definitely scary enough V2.0 upgrade to Visa-level processing capacity, very detailed 2.36 is the first real test point Should I get on now or wait until it drops to 1.75 Speaking of which, the SEC settlement really changed everything

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LiquidationKing

· 01-04 11:29

Honestly, the narrative around XRP has really changed this time. It went from being a "regulatory nightmare" to a "favorite of institutions," which is a bit outrageous. But I want to ask, will that $1 billion pilot fund really be used? Or will we have to wait another two or three years to see actual implementation. The V2.0 upgrade to 100,000 TPS is indeed impressive, but Visa has been continuously iterating. Are we moving fast enough to catch up? Anyway, I'm somewhat attracted by the ETF story. Predictions of market cap rising from 50 billion to 100 billion sound exciting, but Standard Chartered's forecasts have always been too optimistic. Don't be fooled. For support levels and stop-loss, I’ll keep an eye on 1.40, but it might never even drop to that level.

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