XRP Accelerates Payment Network Expansion, Headed Straight for $10 on Institutional Backing?

▲ XRP / ChatGPT-generated image

Bold forecasts that XRP could reach the $10 mark by 2026 are drawing significant market attention. This outlook is not based on simple price patterns or speculative hype, but rather on tangible utility and the expansion of institutional-grade infrastructure, lending greater credibility to the analysis.

According to crypto-focused media outlet NewsBTC on February 25 (local time), an anonymous market expert known as XRP Queen predicted that XRP, currently trading below $1.50, could surge to $10 next year. The analyst emphasized that investors should focus less on technical chart analysis and more on XRP’s intrinsic value and its role as a payment solution. In particular, the active use of XRP in real-world payment channels is cited as a key foundation for this optimism.

XRP is currently expanding its payment network across global markets, leading cross-border transactions. In South Korea, XRP has emerged as one of the most actively traded assets, demonstrating strong market demand. Additionally, the XRP Ledger is positioning itself as a hub for real-world asset tokenization and stablecoin issuance. Recently, U.S. Treasury bonds were tokenized on the ledger, and Circle’s USDC officially launched on the network, accelerating institutional participation.

Every time assets are issued or traded on the XRP Ledger, XRP is used to pay transaction fees, directly contributing to the asset’s value. As more institutions participate, demand for XRP is expected to naturally increase. Experts note that Ripple’s resolution of its prolonged legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2025, ending with a $125 million fine and securing regulatory clarity, served as a catalyst for improved investor sentiment and a potential surge in demand.

“Institutions don’t build financial infrastructure for fun,” XRP Queen stated, suggesting that XRP’s vision is moving beyond theory and taking root as a core component of global finance. From a market capitalization perspective, the analyst argued that even at $10, XRP would still be below the peak valuations previously recorded by other major cryptocurrencies, indicating substantial room for growth. With regulatory uncertainty resolved and real-world adoption increasing, 2026 could mark a historic turning point for XRP.

As Ripple’s long-term efforts to innovate the global financial network bear fruit, XRP is evolving beyond a mere investment vehicle into a standard for real value transfer. Rather than reacting to short-term price volatility, investors are advised to closely monitor network utilization and institutional capital flows to prepare for a potential large-scale wealth shift. The projected $10 scenario in 2026 could open a new window of opportunity for well-prepared investors.

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