Survey finds that 25% of institutions plan to add XRP to their portfolios by 2026
March 27, 2026
In a recent survey conducted by Coinbase and EY-Parthenon, of 351 institutional investors, it was revealed that 25% of them have plans to add XRP to their portfolios in 2026, adding to the 18% who already hold this cryptocurrency. This survey provided a detailed snapshot of where institutional funds are moving within the crypto market, with XRP emerging as one of the top two most popular altcoins, alongside Solana.
Despite the growing institutional interest in XRP, the price remains somewhat stagnant, hovering around $1.35-$1.40 after experiencing a 43% decline year-to-date. Ripple, the company behind XRP, has been witnessing increased adoption, XRP ETFs have attracted billions of dollars, and the SEC has classified XRP as a digital commodity. However, these developments have not been sufficient to push the price beyond $1.50.
The survey participants, representing asset managers, hedge funds, private banks, venture capital firms, and family offices across 20 countries, highlighted the growing interest in XRP. 18% of these institutions were already holding XRP, and an additional 25% expressed intentions to incorporate XRP into their investments by the end of the year. This data suggests that nearly half of the surveyed institutions either own XRP or have plans to do so by December.
Looking ahead to 2026, 73% of the institutions aim to increase their overall cryptocurrency allocations, with 74% anticipating price increases in the next 12 months. When queried about the top reasons behind their enhanced crypto exposure, 65% cited regulatory clarity as the most crucial factor. The CLARITY Act was identified as a pivotal catalyst for converting institutional intent into actual XRP investments.
While institutional interest in XRP is on the rise, the actual inflow of funds remains relatively limited. Institutions such as Goldman Sachs have disclosed substantial XRP positions, with retail investors accounting for the majority of XRP ETF assets. This landscape is in stark contrast to Bitcoin ETFs, where institutional funds quickly became the primary investors. Until XRP experiences a similar institutional rotation, ETF inflows alone are unlikely to significantly impact the XRP price.
The future movement of the XRP price will depend on regulatory developments and the composition of investor bases. Regulatory clarity, highlighted by 65% of the surveyed institutions as a key factor, will be critical in attracting institutional capital. The passing of the CLARITY Act and potential adjustments in institutional holdings, as reflected in Goldman Sachs’ upcoming filing, could mark a turning point for XRP. Until then, while institutional demand is evident, the influx of capital into XRP awaits further regulatory affirmation.
