- Standard Chartered cuts XRP 2026 target 65% to $2.80 after February market selloff.
- Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana forecasts lowered amid broad crypto weakness.
- CLARITY Act progress seen as potential catalyst for XRP and market recovery.
Standard Chartered has reduced its end-of-2026 price target for XRP to $2.80, marking a 65% cut from its previous $8 forecast, as the bank reassesses digital asset valuations following February’s crypto market selloff. The update reflects broader downward adjustments across major tokens, with analysts citing continued near-term weakness in the sector.
In a note to investors, Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s global head of digital assets research, said recent trading conditions have been difficult and warned that additional short-term declines are possible. As a result, the bank lowered forecasts across the digital asset class.
Market Weakness Drives Reassessment
The downgrade follows one of the most severe market downturns in nearly four years. Over the past month, Bitcoin declined 28%, falling to $60,000 before rebounding. Other large-cap cryptocurrencies posted comparable losses during the same period.
Along with the broader decline, XRP dropped to $1.16, its lowest level in 15 months. The token’s weakness coincided with falling sentiment across the market, prompting Standard Chartered to revisit projections first issued in December, when conditions appeared more stable.
At that time, Kendrick had pointed to regulatory clarity surrounding XRP’s legal status and progress toward exchange-traded fund products as potential drivers of price appreciation. However, February’s extended volatility altered that outlook, prompting a revised $2.80 target.
Forecast Cuts Extend Beyond XRP
Standard Chartered also lowered its expectations for other major cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin’s year-end forecast was reduced from $150,000 to $100,000. Ethereum’s target fell from $7,000 to $4,000, while Solana’s projection was cut from $250 to $135.
Legislative Developments in Focus
Market participants are also monitoring progress on the CLARITY Act, a bill on crypto market structure under consideration in the U.S. Senate. On Thursday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said passage of the legislation could support market recovery.
Last month, Katherine Dowling, president of Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company, stated that XRP stands to benefit greatly if the bill advances. Although legislative discussions stalled after disagreements between banking leaders and crypto executives, recent comments suggest renewed engagement.
Related: Standard Chartered Plans Institutional Crypto Brokerage for 2026
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