XRP is back in the spotlight, and this time, the market narrative is shifting in its favor.
Following the landmark resolution of its five-year legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), analysts are pointing to a realistic path toward the $8 level—one that could reshape the digital asset’s long-term trajectory.
With regulatory clarity, whale accumulation, and a wave of new blockchain integrations, XRP is positioned for a breakout that could rival its historic surges. The big question: can the token convert this momentum into sustained growth, or will volatility and “sell the news” sentiment slow it down?
Legal Victory Ends a Half-Decade of Uncertainty
On August 7, 2025, Ripple and the SEC jointly dismissed all remaining appeals in the case that has defined XRP’s market identity for years. The court-confirmed status—that XRP is not a security when sold to retail investors—has removed one of the biggest barriers to adoption.
This resolution not only strengthens Ripple’s ability to expand globally, but also clears the way for potential XRP-based financial products in the United States. Bloomberg analysts have already suggested that a U.S. spot XRP ETF could be next, following the explosive market impact of spot Bitcoin ETFs earlier this year.
Historically, similar regulatory breakthroughs have been followed by significant rallies. For example, Bitcoin’s ETF approvals in early 2024 sparked a surge of more than 40% in just weeks. If XRP follows a comparable trajectory, the $8 mark may not be as far off as skeptics believe.
Whale Activity: Fuel or Fire?
In the two days following the lawsuit’s conclusion, whales purchased a staggering 900 million XRP worth $2.8 billion. This massive buy-up signals high confidence among large holders, but also adds an element of risk.
Data shows that exchange inflows jumped by 84% compared to July, reaching 260 million XRP per day. While accumulation is a bullish indicator, increased exchange deposits often precede periods of volatility as traders prepare to take profits or rebalance positions.
Market analysts are zeroing in on the $3.27 resistance level as a pivotal threshold. A breakout could push prices toward $3.60, with further momentum potentially testing $3.80—seen by many as the gateway to a larger rally. Conversely, rejection at this level could send XRP back toward its $2.95 support zone.
EVM Sidechain Pushes XRP into DeFi
Beyond price speculation, XRP’s Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible sidechain has reached $105 million in total value locked (TVL). This development is more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a gateway to decentralized finance (DeFi), programmable liquidity, and institutional smart contracts.
For years, XRP lagged behind Ethereum and Solana in DeFi capabilities. Now, developers can build directly on an XRP-compatible environment using Ethereum’s robust tooling, enabling everything from stablecoin collateralization to cross-chain liquidity pools.
Historical comparisons suggest this could be a significant catalyst. Polygon’s zkEVM launch in 2023 triggered a rally of over 50% within months as developers flocked to the new platform. If XRP’s sidechain adoption follows a similar path, demand could rise sharply.
Ripple’s Strategic Expansions
Ripple is leveraging its newfound regulatory clarity to strengthen its ecosystem. The launch of RLUSD, Ripple’s USD-backed stablecoin, offers new opportunities for global payments and on-chain settlement. RLUSD transactions will still require XRP for fees, creating a direct link between adoption and XRP demand.
Additionally, Ripple’s custody partnership with BNY Mellon—one of the world’s largest asset managers—adds institutional credibility. With fewer regulatory headwinds, these partnerships could translate into real-world transaction growth, a critical factor in sustaining long-term price appreciation.
Macro Market Conditions Favor Risk Assets
The broader crypto market backdrop is also supportive. Bitcoin recently hit fresh highs above $122,000 before a mild pullback, and Ethereum is riding record ETF inflows of $1 billion. Historically, when Bitcoin stabilizes near highs, capital rotation into altcoins often sparks an “altcoin season,” with high-cap assets like XRP benefiting first.
With inflation cooling in major economies and interest rate cuts back on the table for 2026, the macroeconomic picture could further boost risk appetite among institutional and retail investors.
Price Forecast Scenarios for XRP
Market watchers are split on just how far XRP can climb, but three main scenarios dominate current forecasts:
- Bullish Case: Sustained momentum above $3.80 could ignite a run toward $5–$5.50 by year-end, with $8–$10 achievable between 2027–2028 if ETF approval and EVM adoption accelerate.
- Base Case: Gradual gains toward the $4–$5 range through steady institutional inflows, stable macro conditions, and continued DeFi expansion.
- Bearish Case: Failure to clear resistance and a macro-driven crypto market correction could pull XRP back toward $2.80–$3.00.
Some long-term projections are even more ambitious. Standard Chartered’s Geoffrey Kendrick has placed XRP’s potential at $12.25 by 2029, assuming strong institutional participation and mass adoption of Ripple’s payment solutions.
The Road Ahead
The coming weeks could be decisive. The SEC’s August 15 status report on institutional XRP sales guidelines will likely set the tone for short-term market sentiment. If the guidance is favorable, it could trigger a new wave of buying pressure, further validating the $8 target.
For now, XRP stands at a critical inflection point—armed with legal clarity, expanding utility, and bullish technical patterns, but still vulnerable to the volatility that defines the cryptocurrency market.
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Source: https://coindoo.com/xrp-on-the-path-to-8-price-forecasts-and-what-could-drive-the-surge/