Standard Chartered, a leading financial institution, has recently released a bullish outlook on XRP, predicting that the digital asset could reach $12.50 by the end of President Donald Trump’s current term. This optimistic forecast is based on XRP’s expanding use cases, favorable legal trajectory, and resilience in the face of macroeconomic volatility.
Geoffrey Kendrick, the head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered, has identified XRP as a top-tier investment alongside Bitcoin and Avalanche. He believes that XRP’s structural tailwinds and strategic relevance in global payments make it a standout performer in the upcoming market cycle.
One of the key factors driving Standard Chartered’s bullish outlook is the expectation that the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against Ripple Labs will be resolved in Ripple’s favor. This resolution would remove a major barrier to institutional adoption of XRP and pave the way for its widespread use in the financial industry.
The bank also highlighted XRP’s evolving value proposition, noting that it has transitioned from being solely a cross-border payments token to becoming the foundation of the XRP Ledger. This blockchain network is increasingly being used for tokenization and enterprise-grade applications, further enhancing XRP’s utility and potential for growth.
Kendrick believes that XRP’s price could “keep pace with Bitcoin in real terms,” with a base-case scenario that sees XRP reaching $12.50 from its current level near $1.90. This growth is expected to be driven by improved legal clarity, network upgrades, and increasing transactional demand.
In a bold prediction, Standard Chartered suggested that XRP could surpass Ethereum in market capitalization by the end of 2025. While Ethereum is forecasted to reach $8,000 by that time, the bank sees XRP as a more sustainable investment with strong long-term growth prospects.
Overall, Standard Chartered maintains its existing Bitcoin forecast of $200,000 by the end of 2025 and believes that the next phase of growth in digital assets will favor assets with strong use cases and regulatory visibility. The bank views the current market volatility as an opportunity for long-term allocation, with XRP emerging as a top pick for institutional investors.
The inclusion of XRP in Standard Chartered’s top picks reflects a broader shift in how institutions are reassessing digital assets with real-world applications and legal clarity. As the market continues to evolve, XRP’s potential for growth and adoption is becoming increasingly apparent, positioning it as a key player in the digital asset space.