Analysts Clash Over XRP Price Forecasts and Utility

Financial analysts and investment firms are divided over the future valuation of the cryptocurrency XRP. Standard Chartered, led by digital assets research head Geoffrey Kendrick, forecasts a significant price surge, predicting the token could reach $12.60 by 2028 and $28 by 2030. However, these targets remain contingent on catalysts that have not yet materialized.

Other analysts maintain a bearish outlook, with some predicting a decline to $0.60 by 2030. These critics argue that XRP's value is driven by speculation rather than actual utility, pointing out that the RippleNet payment network developed by Ripple Labs does not require the XRP token to function.

Market volatility remains a concern as XRP currently trades between $1.35 and $1.40, representing a decline of approximately 26% since the start of 2026. The introduction of RLUSD, a dollar-backed stablecoin from Ripple Labs, has further complicated the outlook. Some observers view the stablecoin as a potential replacement for XRP as a bridge asset in cross-border transactions because it offers lower volatility.