XRP Poised for Regulatory Parity with Bitcoin and Ethereum by 2026

A landmark U.S. legislative proposal, the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, is set to fundamentally reshape the regulatory landscape for XRP. Currently under review, the bill aims to establish a new 'network token' classification by 2026 for digital assets that are backed by U.S.-listed exchange-traded products (ETPs). This classification would place XRP on equal regulatory footing with industry giants bitcoin and Ethereum, marking a pivotal moment in its legal recognition. The core implication of this reclassification is a significant regulatory exemption: qualifying 'network tokens' would be exempt from the stringent securities disclosure requirements mandated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). XRP's eligibility for this status is reportedly based on its existing market structure and the anticipated launch of U.S.-listed XRP ETPs, which would satisfy the bill's backing criterion. This legislative shift represents a decisive move toward regulatory clarity, potentially resolving the long-standing legal ambiguity that has surrounded XRP. For the broader cryptocurrency market, the Act signals a maturation of the U.S. regulatory framework, moving from a case-by-case enforcement approach to a more structured, asset-class-based system. The expected outcome is a substantial reduction in regulatory uncertainty for XRP, which could catalyze increased institutional adoption, enhance liquidity, and foster greater integration within traditional financial systems. By aligning its regulatory treatment with that of Bitcoin and Ethereum, XRP would likely see a bolstering of investor confidence and market perception, solidifying its position as a core digital asset. The progression of this bill through 2026 will be a critical watchpoint for the entire digital asset sector, as it could set a precedent for how other cryptocurrencies are classified and regulated in the world's largest financial market.

U.S. Legislation May Grant XRP Equal Footing With Bitcoin and Ethereum

The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, currently under review, could redefine XRP's regulatory status by 2026. The bill creates a 'network token' classification for assets backed by U.S.-listed exchange-traded products—a category that would include XRP alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum.

This legislative shift WOULD exempt qualifying assets from securities disclosure requirements. XRP's eligibility stems from its existing presence in multiple approved ETPs, positioning it for potential regulatory parity with market leaders.

The Senate Agriculture Committee has delayed markup of the crypto market structure bill, introducing uncertainty about the timeline for implementation. Market participants are watching closely as the legislation could establish precedent for how altcoins are treated under U.S. law.

XRP ETFs Regain Momentum with $40M Outflow Recovery

XRP exchange-traded funds have fully recovered from a $40 million capital outflow earlier this year, marking a swift reversal in investor sentiment. The funds recorded four consecutive days of positive inflows, including a $12.98 million injection on January 13, bringing cumulative net flows to $1.25 billion since launch.

Despite a $40.8 million withdrawal on January 7—the first outflow after 35 days of uninterrupted inflows—the ETFs demonstrated remarkable resilience. The products now rank as the third-most popular cryptocurrency ETFs, trailing only Bitcoin and ethereum offerings. Their November 2025 debut saw $245 million in initial inflows, establishing early dominance in the altcoin ETF space.

XRP Tests Key Resistance Amid Whale Accumulation

XRP faces a decisive moment at the $2.10 resistance level, with on-chain data revealing aggressive whale accumulation after months of distribution. A breakout could propel prices toward the $2.50–$3.00 range, while failure to hold $1.80 may prolong consolidation.

Technical charts show an inverse head and shoulders pattern forming—a bullish reversal signal that targets $3.00 if the $2.30 threshold breaks. Yet the descending resistance line from mid-2025 continues to cap rallies, leaving the market in a state of tension between compression and accumulation forces.

Volume remains subdued, reflecting trader indecision. The $1.56–$1.07 support zone has stabilized prices since November, but the real test lies ahead: either a confirmed breakout above $2.10 or another rejection that delays the bullish thesis.

Crypto Leaders Divided Over Clarity Act Amendments Ahead of Key Senate Markup

Coinbase Global Inc. has publicly rejected the current draft of the Clarity Act, with CEO Brian Armstrong calling it 'materially worse than the status quo.' The exchange giant argues the proposed legislation would stifle crypto innovation in the US, preferring no bill over what it considers harmful regulation.

Ripple Labs and Coin Center emerge as surprising supporters of the legislation. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse frames the bill as an industry victory, suggesting any flaws can be addressed through future amendments. This division highlights the crypto sector's ongoing struggle to present a unified front to policymakers.

Banking industry influence appears to be shaping the legislation, with reports suggesting traditional financial institutions are lobbying to protect their market position. The markup scheduled for January 15, 2026 could determine whether the US adopts a progressive framework for digital assets or maintains regulatory ambiguity.

XRP Holds Above $2 Amid Institutional Inflows and Regulatory Milestone

XRP stabilizes above $2 after reclaiming its 50-day moving average, signaling potential price consolidation. The token's resilience contrasts with broader crypto outflows, attracting $45 million in institutional inflows last week—a 400% surge.

Ripple's preliminary e-money license authorization in Luxembourg positions it for EU payment expansion. Trading volume shows balanced activity, suggesting organic demand rather than speculative froth.

Technical resistance NEAR $2.17 remains a hurdle, with the token retreating to $2.12 after a failed breakout attempt. Market watchers note the 50-day MA retest as a classic trend inflection signal.

Vince Trust Launches XRP ETF Portfolio with 419% Yield Claim

Vince Trust, a digital asset manager, has unveiled an XRP-focused ETF portfolio promising daily passive income distributions denominated in XRP. The offering targets retail investors with claims of 419% annualized returns through a diversified basket including real estate, renewable energy, and semiconductor assets.

The platform requires no lock-up period, allowing instant redemptions—a feature that diverges sharply from conventional yield products. Market observers note the claimed yield vastly exceeds institutional DeFi benchmarks, where top-tier protocols currently offer 5-12% APY on staked XRP.

No regulatory filings or prospectus documents accompany the announcement. The launch follows XRP's 18% monthly gain against Bitcoin, outpacing major altcoins amid renewed Ripple lawsuit developments.