XRP performed well at the start of 2026, with a 25% increase year-to-date, continuing to lead among mainstream cryptocurrencies. According to the latest forecast report from Standard Chartered Bank, XRP is expected to break through the $8 mark by the end of 2026, representing a breakthrough growth compared to its historical high of $3.84. Recently, XRP's strong performance is also reflected in its ranking — it has successfully surpassed BNB to become the third-largest cryptocurrency globally. What are the driving forces behind this round of market momentum? CNBC has outlined several key factors: First, the application scenarios of XRP in cross-border payments and settlements are expanding, which has always been its core value proposition; second, the regulatory environment is improving — the ongoing resolution of the lawsuit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has cleared obstacles for the development of the XRP ecosystem. The combination of these two major positive factors has led to a reassessment of XRP's long-term prospects.