21Shares predicts XRP price in 2026

As we move into 2026, XRP is positioned for a potential bullish cycle, thanks to the launch of spot ETFs, the deployment of new stablecoins, and an expanding tokenization capacity on its ledger.

However, this outlook is not guaranteed. XRP’s performance will depend on the clarity of the legal framework in the United States as well as the strength of investment demand for XRP-linked products, amid increasingly fierce competition.

XRP ETF: A Catalyst for Shifting Demand Dynamics

According to the latest report from 21Shares, XRP has a 30% chance of reaching $2.69 by 2026 – a scenario considered optimistic. This forecast is based on a series of key milestones that XRP and Ripple achieved in 2025. Notably, after the prolonged lawsuit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) concluded in August 2025, legal barriers for XRP were lifted, opening market access opportunities in the U.S. for institutions, banks, and payment companies.

Only after legal clarity was established did SEC approval for spot XRP ETFs in the U.S. follow. Matt Mena, a researcher at 21Shares, stated that this event fundamentally changed the demand structure for XRP. Within just one month of launch, these ETFs attracted over $1.3 billion in assets under management.

XRP attracted $1.3 billion after the launch of the spot ETF | Source: 21Shares. Mena noted: “A little-known fact is that XRP ETFs set a world record for the most consecutive days with large net capital flows, surpassing stocks, commodities, bonds, and even Bitcoin – with over 50 consecutive days of net inflows. This impressive figure demonstrates the sustained appeal of XRP ETFs after their launch.”

In addition to ETFs, XRP has seen the emergence of many new products, serving as growth drivers.

XRPL: The Foundation for Tokenized Finance

21Shares forecasts that by 2030, the global financial industry will operate on hybrid platforms, combining tokenized bank deposits, fiat-backed stablecoins, and highly interoperable payment layers.

As the global financial system shifts toward a tokenized model, XRP Ledger (XRPL) is regarded as a neutral payment layer, connecting liquidity, speed, and regulatory compliance. Recent activities on this network have increasingly focused on programmable infrastructure, enabling issuers and managers to handle complex real-world assets like bonds and stocks.

XRP’s RLUSD stablecoin has grown exponentially since its launch in December 2024 | Source: 21Shares. Notably, XRP’s RLUSD stablecoin has demonstrated an important role in providing liquidity, reinforcing 21Shares’ view of XRP’s growth potential if adoption continues to expand. The report notes that RLUSD’s market capitalization increased by approximately 1,800%, from $72 million to $1.38 billion in less than a year. This growth makes RLUSD a potential collateral asset for large institutions and opens up many advanced financial applications.

Despite these impressive achievements, XRP still faces fierce competition from other networks. To realize the bullish scenario, XRP must maintain its appeal to investors amid mounting competitive pressures.

Risk Scenarios and Competitive Pressures

If demand for XRP ETFs declines, XRPL fails to attract significant real asset volumes, or RLUSD is not widely accepted, XRP’s value could follow different scenarios.

Beyond the bullish outlook, 21Shares also presents alternative scenarios based on market volatility and adoption levels. The probability of the baseline scenario – where legal stability supports steady capital inflows into ETFs and utility growth – is 50%, with XRP valued at around $2.45. Conversely, the probability of a bearish scenario is 16%, with XRP potentially dropping to $1.60 due to sluggish adoption and capital shifting to competing assets.

Not only does XRP face the risk of declining demand, but it also faces increasing competitive pressure from networks like Canton and Solana, which have seen remarkable growth over the past year. Notably, Canton, despite being less than two years old, has processed trillions of dollars in tokenized assets.

However, Mena is not overly concerned about these pressures. He believes the XRP community is a key differentiator: “The XRP Army is one of the largest and most passionate communities in the crypto space. Besides Bitcoin and Dogecoin, XRP is a token that even people outside the crypto market are aware of.”

2026 will be the time to see whether community-driven momentum can translate into sustainable value for XRP.