Crypto analyst Austin Hilton predicts that XRP could climb to between $20 and $30 by 2026, provided Bitcoin surges to $250,000. This outlook stems from expected capital rotation into major altcoins amid Bitcoin's dominance in the market. Factors like Ripple's expansions and regulatory progress underpin XRP's potential resilience.
The cryptocurrency market ended 2025 on a mixed note, with altcoins facing significant declines. While the broader altcoin sector dropped about 42% over the year, XRP fared better, falling only around 15%. This relative strength has bolstered optimism among supporters, particularly as Ripple pursued aggressive growth strategies.
Ripple invested over $2.7 billion in acquisitions during the period, including the payments platform Rail, treasury software provider GTreasury for $1 billion, and trading venue Hidden Road for $1.25 billion. These moves aim to enhance Ripple's infrastructure for payments and liquidity solutions. Additionally, the company resolved its prolonged legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, clearing hurdles for broader adoption.
Regulatory advancements have opened doors for new investment vehicles. Spot XRP products now include offerings from Rex-Osprey and the Grayscale XRP Trust. Ripple's stablecoin, RLUSD, has risen to become one of the top five by trading volume. Analyst Austin Hilton highlights growing interest from major financial institutions, which could inject fresh capital and stabilize prices during economic uncertainty.
Looking to 2026, Hilton anticipates Bitcoin's potential rally to $250,000—representing nearly 60% of the crypto market cap—will drive funds toward altcoins like XRP. He estimates this could yield a 10x to 15x increase from current levels. Proposed U.S. legislation, such as the Genius Clarity Act, might further encourage institutional entry by providing clearer guidelines.
Sustained XRP growth would hinge on real-world applications in cross-border payments and increased transaction volumes. While institutional involvement could reduce volatility, external risks like economic downturns or global regulations remain. Ripple's commercial gains could indirectly benefit XRP holders through heightened network usage.
