Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse expressed a bullish outlook for the cryptocurrency market, predicting that assets, including XRP, will achieve new all-time highs by 2026. His optimistic remarks came in the context of a potential easing of regulatory pressures that have historically influenced market performance.
Following the announcement that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) would drop its appeal regarding XRP, the cryptocurrency experienced a significant surge, with its price increasing by approximately 8 to 10%. This reaction is typical of XRP, which has consistently responded positively to regulatory optimism. The broader context highlights a general trend in the cryptocurrency market: when legal uncertainties diminish, investment capital tends to flow back into the space, driving prices higher.
Garlinghouse emphasized that he didn’t make any specific promises about XRP’s price trajectory. Instead, he anticipates that clearer regulatory guidelines and enhanced institutional access will catalyze a robust recovery for the crypto market as a whole over the next few years. He likened regulations to functioning traffic lights, noting that when there are signals of clarity, investors are more likely to proceed, while confusion keeps them stalled.
The prolonged legal battle with the SEC had previously deterred many U.S. exchanges and funds from interacting with XRP. This changed in March 2025 when the SEC opted to end its appeal, resulting in an immediate price uptick as investors reassessed the token in light of new legal clarity.
XRP’s price movements have historically been influenced by updates in its legal status, making it behave differently compared to other altcoins. Each step back in enforcement actions by the SEC has tended to correlate with price increases, while any delays or setbacks have resulted in decreased confidence among investors.
Legal clarity not only makes it easier for exchanges to relist XRP but also facilitates custody support and increases the viability of spot ETFs. Analysts assert that an XRP ETF is now more feasible following the legal determinations that clarified its status.
In addition to his optimistic forecasts, Garlinghouse highlighted Ripple’s ongoing expansion efforts. The company announced its acquisition of prime broker Hidden Road for approximately $1.25 billion. This move is significant as prime brokers cater to hedge funds and banks, indicating that Ripple is positioning itself to attract institutional investments rather than relying solely on retail interest.
Despite the positive outlook, Garlinghouse noted that price predictions should be approached with caution. The cryptocurrency market remains vulnerable to macroeconomic shocks, which can rapidly alter market dynamics. Recent trading trends have shown XRP’s susceptibility to broader market concerns, such as trade war anxieties.
As Ripple continues to adapt and position itself in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape, it remains clear that both regulatory developments and institutional interest will play crucial roles in shaping the future of XRP and the broader market.
