Prediction: XRP Will Hit $3 in 2026

Core Viewpoint - XRP is predicted to reach at least $3 by 2026, with the current price around $2.15, indicating a potentially tedious journey ahead for holders [1] Group 1: Price Drivers - XRP previously reached an all-time high of $3.65 in 2025, making a return to $3 or higher plausible [3] - The development of a real developer ecosystem for decentralized applications (dApps) on the XRP Ledger's Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain is crucial for price movement [3] - As of January 8, less than $50,000 in total value locked (TVL) was on the EVM sidechain, indicating low current usage [4] Group 2: Institutional Engagement - Ripple's strategy to attract institutional investors is a key driver, as it positions itself as a bank-like entity [5] - Ripple is pursuing a U.S. national bank charter and a Federal Reserve master account, which could enhance its appeal to banks and currency exchange houses [6] - The expectation is for minor price increases from announcements of new pilot programs with financial institutions, rather than significant jumps [6] Group 3: Long-term Outlook - Consistent traction in the market is expected to be more impactful than major catalysts in 2026 [7]