Analysts forecast XRP price doubling in three years
A Motley Fool analysis predicts XRP could reach $5.90 by 2028, a 100% increase from its current $2.95 price, driven by regulatory shifts and potential ETF approvals. This outlook follows a more crypto-friendly U.S. administration and Ripple's ecosystem expansions. However, the cryptocurrency's history of volatility underscores investment risks.
In an article published on October 5, 2025, Trevor Jennewine of The Motley Fool outlines reasons for optimism around XRP, the cryptocurrency developed by fintech firm Ripple for cross-border payments. Jennewine forecasts a 100% price surge to $5.90 over the next three years, implying 26% annual returns—a slowdown from the 87% annual gains seen in the prior three years.
This prediction builds on expert views. Geoffrey Kendrick of Standard Chartered anticipates XRP hitting $12.50 by 2028, a 325% upside from $2.95, with 62% annual returns ahead. Meanwhile, Michael Miller of Morningstar projects the overall crypto market reaching $8.5 trillion by 2034, growing at 8.4% annually, down from 60% in recent years.
Key catalysts include a shifting U.S. regulatory landscape. Under former SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, the agency was seen as biased against crypto, relying on enforcement over clear rules. President Trump, who campaigned to make the U.S. the 'crypto capital of the world,' has reversed course. He signed an executive order to bolster American leadership in digital assets and nominated crypto advocate Paul Atkins as SEC chair. Notably, the SEC rescinded Staff Accounting Bulletin 121, which had deterred banks from offering crypto custody services—a move experts like Kendrick say will spur institutional adoption.
Ripple's role remains central. Its on-demand liquidity product uses XRP as a bridge currency for faster, cheaper international transfers than the SWIFT system. In December 2024, Ripple launched stablecoin Ripple USD (RLUSD), potentially boosting XRP demand through transaction fees. Yet, RLUSD has not yet increased XRP's monthly transaction volume, which has trended lower in 2025.
The biggest near-term boost may come from spot XRP exchange-traded funds. The SEC is set to decide on six applications between October 18 and 25, with a seventh on November 14. Approval could mirror Bitcoin's 165% rise since its spot ETFs launched in January 2024, drawing in retail and institutional investors wary of direct crypto trading.
Jennewine cautions on risks: XRP has dropped over 20% from record highs twice in the past year, including a 45% drawdown. Investors should weigh this volatility carefully.