XRP News Today: XRP Projected to Hit $1,500–$2,000 by 2026 with 43,000%–57,000% Surge from Regulatory, Macroeconomic Shifts: CEO

Jake Claver, CEO of Digital Ascension Group, has made a bold forecast for XRP, the cryptocurrency issued by Ripple, predicting it could surge to $1,500–$2,000 by early 2026. The projection, shared during an interview on a financial podcast, hinges on a combination of macroeconomic shifts, regulatory developments, and structural changes in global finance. Claver’s analysis emphasizes the potential unwinding of the reverse carry trade—a strategy involving borrowing in low-interest-rate currencies to invest elsewhere—as a catalyst for liquidity shifts toward digital assets. He also highlighted the possibility of heightened scrutiny on stablecoins, particularly Tether, amid ongoing regulatory debates.

The expert pointed to the recent passage of the GENIUS Act, which could facilitate a joint investigation by the SEC, CFTC, and Department of Justice into stablecoin practices. Such regulatory actions, Claver argued, might destabilize markets and drive demand for transparent, regulated alternatives like XRP. Additionally, he referenced unresolved legal disclosures tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case, noting that any unexpected revelations involving crypto firms could erode investor confidence and indirectly boost demand for XRP as a perceived safe haven.

Claver’s rationale also incorporates long-standing theories about liquidity shortages on major exchanges. He cited a hypothesis originally proposed by Shane Ellis, which suggests that insufficient liquidity on platforms like Bitfinex could trigger sudden price spikes in XRP. This theory has previously underpinned aggressive price targets, including a $589 prediction. Claver further emphasized XRP’s practical utility in financial infrastructure, particularly its ability to settle transactions in 20–40 minutes compared to traditional markets’ T+1 cycle. This efficiency, he argued, could make XRP an attractive solution for cross-border settlements and real-time transactions during market closures.

Geopolitical risks, such as rising oil prices driven by Middle East tensions, were also flagged as potential accelerants for a broader shift toward alternative assets. Claver suggested that such instability could exacerbate macroeconomic pressures and encourage institutional investors to diversify into digital assets. However, he acknowledged that his targets represent a significant departure from current market conditions. At the time of his remarks, XRP traded near $3.45, implying a 43,000%–57,000% increase to reach his projected range. Such growth would result in a market capitalization of $90 trillion–$120 trillion, surpassing the combined value of global gold reserves and the M2 money supply.

While the prediction is rooted in macroeconomic and regulatory trends, its feasibility remains highly speculative. A $2,000 price tag would require unprecedented adoption and systemic reallocations of capital, factors that are inherently uncertain. Claver’s analysis has sparked debate among market observers, with some viewing it as an overestimation of XRP’s growth potential and others acknowledging the theoretical plausibility of structural shifts in the financial system. Regardless of the outcome, the forecast underscores the growing influence of macro-level analyses in shaping crypto price expectations.

According to the analyst’s forecast, a $2,000 XRP price would transform even modest holdings into substantial portfolios. For example, 1,000 XRP currently valued at $3,450 could reach $1.5–$2 million if the target is achieved. However, such returns depend on factors beyond market trends, including regulatory actions and global economic stability. The prediction, while ambitious, highlights the interplay between macroeconomic uncertainty and digital asset speculation in today’s financial landscape.