19-6-2025 – A leading banking analyst has ignited excitement in the cryptocurrency world with a daring forecast: Ripple’s XRP could soon eclipse Ethereum to claim the title of the second-largest digital currency by market capitalisation. This bold prediction arrives alongside the New York Stock Exchange’s approval of a novel leveraged XRP ETF, signalling a swelling tide of mainstream enthusiasm for the token.
Bold prediction from a leading analyst
Geoffrey Kendrick, Standard Chartered Bank’s Global Head of Digital Assets Research, foresees XRP overtaking Ethereum’s $329.5 billion market cap by 2028. Speaking to News.Az, Kendrick highlighted XRP’s burgeoning real-world applications, robust financial standing, and growing allure among institutional investors. Currently valued at $130.9 billion with a price of $2.22, XRP would need to soar to approximately $5.60 to surpass Ethereum—a lofty but achievable target, given its remarkable 360% surge over the past year.
Ripple’s strategy for global finance dominance
Ripple, the force behind XRP, is carving a formidable niche in global finance, particularly in cross-border payments. CEO Brad Garlinghouse has set an ambitious goal of capturing 14% of SWIFT’s market share within five years, positioning XRP as a linchpin for international money transfers. Bolstering this momentum, Ripple’s partial victory in its legal battle with the U.S. SEC has restored confidence among major investors. The company’s recent $700 million share buyback, executed at a striking 135% premium, reflects unwavering investor faith, underpinned by Ripple’s debt-free balance sheet, $3.7 billion in cash, and 41 billion XRP tokens worth roughly $91 billion.
Kendrick advises investors to keep their eyes on the long-term prize, undeterred by market fluctuations or tariff concerns, noting that Bitcoin’s steady performance hints at a broader rally on the horizon. At the time of writing, XRP was trading at $2.16, with a 24-hour trading volume of $2.71 billion, underscoring robust market engagement.
Institutional demand fuels market momentum
The surge in institutional interest could prove transformative. As traditional finance warms to blockchain technology, Ripple’s established infrastructure and regulatory clarity give it a distinct edge. Kendrick suggests that XRP’s institutional appeal may outstrip Ethereum’s, particularly if Ethereum grapples with scaling challenges and elevated gas fees. To fulfil Kendrick’s vision, XRP must climb 2.5 times its current value by 2028—a steep but plausible ascent for a token already riding a wave of momentum.
