Standard Chartered’s Evolving Stance on Cryptocurrency in 2026
As we progress into 2026, Standard Chartered, a leading institution in the financial sector, has demonstrated unwavering confidence in cryptocurrencies. Despite the downturn following the peak of October 2025, the bank maintained a bullish perspective on digital currencies.
Standard Chartered’s Optimistic Crypto Forecasts
With approximately $800 billion in assets under management, this British financial giant had initially projected substantial year-end price surges for various cryptocurrencies in 2026. XRP was among these, with expectations of reaching $8.
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A Shift in Cryptocurrency Market Predictions
Recently, there has been a significant shift in Standard Chartered’s approach as it aligns with the prevailing trends in the cryptocurrency market. In a recent update, the bank significantly adjusted its price target for XRP, reducing it by an overwhelming 65%.
Understanding the Market Dynamics
Geoffrey Kendrick, the head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered, commented on the challenging nature of recent digital asset price movements. He noted that further declines are anticipated in the short term, prompting a reevaluation of forecasts across the cryptocurrency spectrum.
Standard Chartered Remains Optimistic About XRP
Despite the substantial reduction in the price target, Standard Chartered’s stance on XRP remains positive. As of February 17, XRP was valued at $1.45. The revised year-end forecast of $2.80 still suggests a potential 91% increase, indicating continued optimism.
Market Trends and XRP Performance
The trajectory of XRP since the beginning of 2026 has been somewhat unexpected. Starting the year at $1.84, the cryptocurrency experienced a decline of approximately 20.93% over one and a half months. Nonetheless, Standard Chartered’s revised prediction aligns with its broader outlook for the cryptocurrency market.
Broader Cryptocurrency Market Adjustments
In line with its revised XRP forecast, Standard Chartered also adjusted its Bitcoin (BTC) price projections. Although the bank lowered its earlier February forecast of $150,000, it still anticipates an upward trend in 2026.
Bitcoin’s Market Performance
At present, Bitcoin is trading at $67,946, reflecting a 22.27% year-to-date decline. However, even after the downward revision, Standard Chartered anticipates a 45% rally, projecting Bitcoin to reach $100,000 by the end of 2026.
In conclusion, while Standard Chartered has recalibrated its cryptocurrency forecasts in response to market trends, its underlying optimism about the potential of digital assets remains steadfast. The bank continues to see significant growth opportunities within the cryptocurrency landscape, suggesting a promising outlook for investors and stakeholders alike.
