Ripple CEO Says Crypto Set to Smash Records in 2026 Amid Regulatory Optimism
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said he expects the crypto market to reach new all-time highs in 2026, citing improving US regulatory conditions and the potential passage of the CLARITY Act as key drivers.
Speaking to CNBC this week, Garlinghouse described himself as “very bullish” on the broader crypto market but did not provide specific price targets or timelines for individual assets.
Regulatory Shifts Drive Optimism
Garlinghouse tied his bullish outlook to evolving US crypto regulation, particularly the proposed CLARITY Act. The bill aims to establish a clearer market structure for digital assets but has faced pushback. Coinbase withdrew support last week, urging revisions it believes would better serve both crypto firms and traditional banks.
President Donald Trump said Wednesday he hopes to sign the legislation “very soon,” though its final form remains uncertain.
In December at Binance Blockchain Week, Garlinghouse projected Bitcoin could reach $180,000 by the end of 2026. That would represent a 43% gain over Bitcoin’s current record of $126,080 and nearly double its recent price near $89,446, according to CoinMarketCap data.
He did not offer a price forecast for XRP but indicated he expects renewed upward momentum for the asset.
XRP Down 47% From July Peak
XRP hit a record high of $3.65 in July 2025 but has since declined sharply. The token briefly rallied in early January, approaching $2.40, before losing steam. As of press time, XRP trades at $1.91, down roughly 47% from its peak, according to CoinMarketCap.
Market analytics firm Santiment said XRP has entered “Extreme Fear” territory based on social sentiment data following a 19% drop from its January 5 high. The firm noted that periods of heavy negative sentiment have historically preceded price recoveries in crypto markets.
Leveraged Trading Data Signals Potential Reversal
CryptoQuant reported that Binance funding rates for XRP have remained mostly negative since December, indicating a concentration of short positions among leveraged traders. Negative funding rates mean short sellers are paying long holders, a setup that can fuel sharp rallies if shorts are forced to cover positions.
Similar patterns in August–September 2024 and April 2025 were followed by upward price movements as short covering added momentum, according to CryptoQuant analysis.
Broader Market Context
Bitcoin has traded in a relatively tight range in recent weeks, with broader crypto market sentiment mixed. Uncertainty around US monetary policy and global economic conditions has contributed to cautious positioning among institutional and retail traders.
Regulatory clarity remains a focal point for market participants. The passage of comprehensive crypto legislation could reduce uncertainty and attract institutional capital, though timing and final policy details remain unclear.
Garlinghouse’s comments reflect growing confidence among industry executives that 2026 could mark a turning point for crypto markets, particularly if regulatory frameworks are finalized. Whether those optimistic projections materialize will depend heavily on policy outcomes and broader macroeconomic conditions.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency markets involve risk.This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Trading cryptocurrencies and other financial instruments carries significant risk, and you could lose all your invested capital. Always do your own research, never invest more than you can afford to lose, and consider consulting with a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions. Past performance of chart patterns does not guarantee future results.
