Ripple CEO: Crypto Set to Smash Records in 2026

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said he expects crypto to set new record highs in 2026, telling CNBC he is “very bullish” but not naming specific assets or targets.

Garlinghouse linked the outlook to US regulation, pointing to the CLARITY Act, a proposed crypto market structure bill. The bill has been in flux, with Coinbase pulling support last week while pushing for terms it sees as workable for both crypto firms and banks. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he hopes to sign it “very soon.”

In December at Binance Blockchain Week, Garlinghouse said Bitcoin could reach US$180,000 (AU$275,400) or more by the end of 2026. That would be about 43% above BTC’s current record of US$126,080 (AU$192,902) and roughly double its recent price near US$89,446 (AU$136,853).

He did not give a price forecast for XRP, but said he expects positive momentum.

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XRP Outlook

XRP has fallen since its July 2025 record of US$3.65 (AU$5.58). It bounced in early January and nearly hit US$2.40 (AU$3.67) but lost momentum. It now trades about 47% below the peak, with broader market uncertainty adding pressure.

Santiment said XRP has entered “Extreme Fear” on social data after a 19% drop from its Jan. 5 high. The firm noted that heavy bearish chatter has often been followed by rallies.

At press time, XRP is trading at US$1.91 (AU$2.79), as per CoinMarketCap data.

CryptoQuant said Binance funding rates have been mostly negative since December, meaning leveraged traders are tilted short. If price rises, short covering could add upward momentum, similar to rebounds seen after negative funding periods in August–September 2024 and April 2025.

Related: Behind the Volatility: Key Takeaways from Crypto’s Q4 2025