2025 was a slow year for the cryptocurrency space. A combination of factors in the sector helped push Bitcoin to an all-time high of $120,000, but it has since fallen prey to occasional market corrections. That said, this year has been a particularly favorable year for cryptocurrencies in terms of innovation and adoption, while also defining new avenues for tokens to rely on. As new elements take over the cryptocurrency space in 2026, will XRP be able to embrace these changes and chart its own path to prosperity?
Two reasons why XRP could be a big hit in 2026
1. Cryptocurrency ETF boom and XRP ETF in queue
Cryptocurrency ETFs have seen a strong resurgence this month, with millions of dollars worth of inflows, according to the latest report from Kovesi’s letter. Additionally, there are currently nearly five XRP ETFs in operation, generating nearly $16 million in revenue per Kenny Nguyen in two hours of trading. Additionally, the total inflows (all five ETFs) combined have attracted $1 billion worth of inflows. This has led investors to delve deeper into XRP, expecting a new era for XRP to begin next year. Several XRP ETFs are yet to be launched. This makes Ripple a lucrative asset to watch in 2026.
2. SEC prioritizes cryptographic innovation
Another favorable development that could help XRP hit new highs alongside other altcoins is the current SEC stance on cryptocurrencies. According to a recent report, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins shared how crypto innovation is expected to be announced in January 2026, allowing the field to experiment and start new avenues to explore and dig deeper.
“We’re looking forward to getting the innovation exemption that we’re talking about right now. We’re hopeful that we can get that done in a month or so.”. BWe’re on track to move forward in the cryptocurrency space and certainly embrace this new area of innovation that the United States has basically resisted for far too long. ” Atkins said in a morning interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
