Standard Chartered has published a new outlook on XRP, forecasting a sharp multi-year price increase that could see the token rise over 500% to reach $12.50 by the end of 2028. The projection is based on long-term expectations around XRP’s adoption in payment systems and tokenization use cases, according to a report shared this week by Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s global head of digital assets research.
At the time of the report, XRP was trading just under $2. Kendrick noted that if the forecast plays out, XRP’s market capitalization could surpass that of Ethereum by 2028—potentially positioning it as the second-largest digital asset behind Bitcoin, excluding stablecoins.
The bank also expects the launch of a U.S.-based XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) as early as Q3 2025, citing growing institutional appetite for diversified crypto investment products. Kendrick believes the current macro uncertainty, including what he called the ongoing “tariff mess,” will likely ease soon, setting the stage for stronger performance across digital assets. He pointed to Bitcoin’s relative resilience in recent weeks as an indicator of broader momentum building in the asset class.
Standard Chartered’s view adds to a growing chorus of institutional voices projecting long-term upside in select digital assets as the regulatory environment continues to evolve.
Regulatory Wins and Real-World Utility Drive XRP’s Long-Term Outlook
Standard Chartered’s bullish outlook on XRP is rooted in a combination of regulatory clarity, institutional interest, and real-world utility. A key development cited by the bank is the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s recent decision to withdraw its appeal in the XRP case—a move that followed the pro-crypto stance of the newly elected Trump administration. This regulatory shift is expected to pave the way for a spot XRP ETF approval in Q3 2025.
Kendrick projects that such an ETF could attract between $4 billion and $8 billion in inflows within its first year—providing a significant tailwind for XRP’s market performance.
XRP’s foundational role in enabling cross-border and multi-currency payments remains central to its adoption strategy. Kendrick noted that this mirrors the rising use of stablecoins, which now account for some of the highest transaction volumes in digital finance. According to his estimates, stablecoin settlement activity is growing at an annual rate of 50% and could increase tenfold by 2028.
Ripple, the company behind XRP, is also expanding into the tokenization sector. Recent initiatives include tokenized Treasury bill funds and the development of RLUSD, a USD-pegged stablecoin designed to complement XRP’s payment infrastructure. These efforts place Ripple at the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain-based innovation, positioning XRP to capitalize on the growing institutional appetite for tokenized assets.
Standard Chartered’s forecast for XRP reflects a broader shift in institutional sentiment toward digital assets with tangible utility and stronger regulatory footing. With the potential approval of a spot ETF, increasing cross-border adoption, and new tokenization initiatives underway, XRP appears well-positioned for long-term growth. If projections hold, it may emerge as a top-tier crypto asset—marking a notable shift in market dynamics as traditional finance and blockchain continue to converge.
Quick Facts
- Standard Chartered expects XRP to reach $12.50 by 2028, citing payment utility and tokenization.
- The bank anticipates an XRP ETF approval by Q3 2025, projecting $4–8 billion in inflows within the first year.
- Ripple’s expanding initiatives, including RLUSD and tokenized Treasury products, position XRP for deeper institutional adoption.
