Standard Chartered Predicts XRP to Reach $12.50 by 2028

Standard Chartered Predicts XRP to Hit $12.50 by 2028 — Could It Surpass Ethereum?

In a bold new report, Standard Chartered Bank has projected that XRP could skyrocket to $12.50 by 2028, marking a potential 500% surge from its current price. The forecast comes from Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s Global Head of Digital Assets Research, who believes XRP is poised to become a central pillar in the tokenization and global payments revolution.

XRP Price Prediction: $5.50 in 2025, $12.50 by 2028

Kendrick’s roadmap lays out a gradual climb in XRP’s price over the next few years:

$5.50 by end of 2025
$8.00 in 2026
$12.50 between 2028–2029

This bullish forecast hinges on a combination of regulatory clarity, the anticipated approval of a spot ETF, and XRP’s growing use in real-world financial infrastructure.

XRP vs Ethereum: Could XRP Overtake ETH by 2028?

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the report is Kendrick’s assertion that XRP could surpass Ethereum (ETH) in total market capitalization by 2028. If realized, this would position XRP as the second-largest non-stablecoin crypto asset behind Bitcoin.

Kendrick attributes this outlook to XRP’s rising institutional adoption, regulatory momentum, and utility in traditional finance — areas where Ethereum has faced scaling challenges and ongoing scrutiny over staking and securities regulations.

XRP ETF on the Horizon: A Game-Changer for Adoption

A major catalyst, according to Standard Chartered, is the anticipated approval of a spot XRP ETF by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Q3 2025.

“ETF approval could bring $4–8 billion in capital inflows within the first year,” notes Kendrick.

Such an ETF would give institutions regulated exposure to XRP, amplifying demand while improving market liquidity and price stability. This could mark a turning point for XRP’s mainstream financial integration.

XRP Ledger and Tokenization: The Payments Chain Advantage

At the core of Kendrick’s analysis is XRP Ledger (XRPL), which he describes as a “payments chain” with the potential to become the leading platform for tokenization.

525% XRP Surge to $12.50 by 2028? Standard Chartered Predicts

He compares it to Stellar (XLM), currently the second-largest player in the space, but believes XRPL's efficiency, transaction throughput, and growing ecosystem give it a distinct advantage.

This week’s launch of a 2x leveraged XRP ETF on NYSE Arca signals growing demand for advanced investment vehicles tied to XRP. Meanwhile, Coinbase and Bitnomial Exchange are expanding the token’s reach with nano XRP futures and physically settled futures contracts, respectively.

Institutional Expansion: Ripple’s $1.25B Acquisition of Hidden Road

Ripple’s recent $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road, a prime brokerage infrastructure firm, is another key element in the forecast.

“This is a defining moment,” said Ripple CTO David Schwartz, emphasizing its role in expanding Ripple’s cross-asset settlement capabilities.

The acquisition enables Ripple to integrate its blockchain infrastructure directly into the institutional financial system, offering faster and cheaper transaction rails.

Regulatory Clarity: SEC Case Nearing Closure

The ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the SEC is also tilting in XRP’s favor. Kendrick highlights the SEC’s withdrawal of its appeal and the likely $50 million settlement, which would finally lift the cloud of uncertainty hanging over the token.

He also links the potential re-election of Donald Trump to a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment, which could fast-track wider acceptance of XRP in the U.S. financial system.

XRP’s Real-World Use Case Outshines Speculative Tokens

Unlike many altcoins, XRP's appeal lies not in meme-driven hype but in its real-world utility. Despite a smaller developer base and low-fee model, Kendrick believes these are strengths, not weaknesses — making XRP ideal for high-volume, institutional-grade applications like remittances, tokenization, and cross-border settlements.

Conclusion: Can XRP Become the Next Crypto Giant?

Standard Chartered’s forecast positions XRP as a sleeping giant in the crypto world — an asset on the brink of institutional and regulatory breakthrough. With the potential for an ETF approval, SEC settlement, and accelerated tokenization, XRP could redefine its role in both traditional and decentralized finance.

If Kendrick’s prediction of $12.50 by 2028 comes true, XRP wouldn’t just be a comeback story — it could be one of the biggest success stories in crypto history.