XRP could be entering the institutionally driven phase that crypto investors have anticipated for years. Crypto commentator Zach Rector remains confident that XRP can eventually reach much higher valuations, but he does not expect the cryptocurrency to reach $100 by the end of 2026.
In a post on X, Rector wrote, “We are finally getting the long-overdue institutional bull run for XRP. Can it push us to $100?”
The accompanying YouTube video provided a more detailed explanation of his position, including the conditions he believes could eventually support much higher XRP prices.
We are finally getting the long overdue, Institutional Bullrun for XRP. Can it push us to $100?https://t.co/kvzK2ZczRf pic.twitter.com/XPRS0XSkcl
— Zach Rector (@ZachRector7) August 29, 2026
Rector Separates Institutional Adoption From Previous XRP Rallies
Rector said XRP’s previous major rallies did not qualify as institutional bull runs. He pointed to the 2018 and 2021 market cycles and the rally that began in late 2024, saying those periods were driven largely by retail participation rather than large-scale institutional adoption.
He noted that XRP rose more than 600% from around $0.50 before the 2024 U.S. election to approximately $3.66, making it one of the strongest-performing assets during that period. However, he maintained that institutional participation had not yet reached the scale he expects from the current cycle.
According to Rector, that situation is now changing as financial institutions increase their involvement in digital assets and products connected to the XRP ecosystem.
He also referenced comments from a former BlackRock managing director, who said XRP could ultimately succeed if major institutions adopt Ripple’s technology. Rector used the comments to reinforce his view that institutional adoption matters more than XRP capturing the entire financial market.
$100 XRP Depends on Institutional Inflows
Although Rector believes XRP can eventually reach $100, he considers that target unlikely by the end of 2026. He explained that the main requirement is a substantial increase in capital and transaction flows entering the ecosystem.
Rector cited research surrounding blockchain adoption and Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s discussion of an institutional opportunity gap. He noted that financial institutions settled approximately $16 trillion in transactions during the previous year, while only 0.1% of that activity touched blockchain networks.
For Rector, increasing the percentage of institutional value moving onto blockchain networks represents an important metric for XRP investors. He said that even a 0.1% increase would represent roughly $16 billion in transaction value based on a $16 trillion figure, while larger adoption percentages could bring significantly greater flows onto blockchain infrastructure.
He wants to see evidence that Ripple and other institutions are moving financial activity onto the XRP Ledger before assigning a $100 valuation to XRP within a short timeframe.
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Rector Expects $8 to $20 Before $100
Rector said he expects the institutional bull run to produce significant gains even if XRP does not immediately reach triple-digit prices. He identified a $500 billion market capitalization as an initial target, which he estimated would correspond to roughly $8 per XRP.
He then suggested that XRP could move into double-digit territory and eventually reach a $1 trillion market capitalization, equivalent to approximately $16 per XRP based on his calculations.
Rector also maintained that XRP could reach the $20 range during the broader cycle. He described these levels as potentially achievable outcomes before the market reaches the scale of institutional adoption required for substantially higher valuations.
He emphasized that his position does not reject $100 XRP. Instead, he believes investors should distinguish between long-term potential and the speed that potential could materialize.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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