XRP Trades Near $1.40 Despite Institutional and Regulatory Wins

XRP, the cryptocurrency developed by Ripple, is trading in the $1.35 to $1.40 range as of mid-September 2026, a significant decline from its 2025 highs despite a series of positive developments for the asset and its underlying network. The token's market capitalization stands near $87.5 billion, making it the fifth-largest cryptocurrency. The price action contrasts with recent institutional and regulatory milestones. U.S. spot XRP exchange-traded funds, which launched in November 2025, have attracted cumulative net inflows of approximately $1.68 billion. These funds recorded 11 consecutive sessions of positive inflows through early September. At the end of the second quarter, Goldman Sachs was the largest publicly disclosed institutional holder of XRP-related funds, though these positions may include hedging strategies. The legal overhang that long suppressed XRP's price has been removed. The extended lawsuit between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission concluded in August 2025, with both parties withdrawing their appeals. This cemented a prior court decision and Ripple's $125 million financial penalty.