XRP ETF Inflows Explode Past $100 Million as CNBC Crowns It 2026’s ’Hottest Crypto Trade’

Forget the quiet accumulation phase—XRP just slammed the accelerator. Exchange-traded fund inflows have rocketed past the $100 million mark, a surge so dramatic it's caught the eye of mainstream finance titan CNBC, which is now labeling the asset the must-watch crypto play of the year.

The Institutional Stamp of Approval

That nine-figure inflow isn't just a number; it's a signal flare. It represents a decisive shift of institutional capital off the sidelines and into a specific digital asset lane, bypassing the usual retail-driven frenzy. This isn't speculative pocket money—it's a calculated allocation that suggests a fundamental re-rating of XRP's utility and regulatory posture is underway.

Liquidity Begets Liquidity

Every fresh dollar into these ETFs deepens the market's liquidity pool, creating a virtuous cycle that attracts more sophisticated players. It cuts through the noise of meme-coin mania, offering a cleaner, more tradable corridor for big money—the kind that typically yawns at double-digit percentage swings but perks up at structural inflows.

The Mainstream Megaphone Effect

When a network like CNBC anoints a crypto asset as the "hottest trade," it does more than report—it validates. That headline acts as a gravitational force, pulling in a wave of traditional investors who've been waiting for a clear, media-sanctioned entry point. Suddenly, the conversation moves from crypto Twitter threads to portfolio manager meetings.

A cynical observer might note that Wall Street's embrace often arrives just in time to monetize a narrative they previously ignored—or worse, dismissed. But for now, the momentum is undeniable. The tape doesn't lie, and right now, it's printing a very clear message: institutional conviction is building, and the floodgates might just be cracking open.

TLDR

• XRP (XRP) gained 25% in the first week of 2026, outperforming Bitcoin and Ethereum
• Four spot XRP ETFs saw nearly $100 million in inflows since January 1, with total aggregate inflows reaching $1.15 billion and zero outflow days
• XRP exchange reserves on Binance dropped to two-year lows, suggesting investors are holding rather than preparing to sell
• Network activity and transactions increased by more than 50% over the past two weeks
• Ripple Labs announced partnerships with major Japanese financial institutions including Mizuho Bank and SMBC Nikko to boost XRP Ledger adoption

XRP (XRP) has gained 25% since January 1, making it one of the top-performing cryptocurrencies in early 2026. The token currently trades around $2.28 after spending most of Q4 2025 below the $2 mark.

CNBC’s Power Lunch host Brian Sullivan called XRP “the hottest crypto trade of the year” on Tuesday. The token is outperforming both Bitcoin, which is up 6%, and Ethereum, which has risen 10% since New Year’s Day.

The four spot XRP ETFs have attracted nearly $100 million in new capital since the beginning of 2026. Monday saw the highest single-day inflow in more than five weeks. Total aggregate inflows across all XRP ETFs now stand at $1.15 billion. The funds have not experienced a single day of outflows since their launch.

WATCH: CNBC SAYS "THE HOTTEST CRYPTO TRADE OF THE YEAR IS NOT BITCOIN, IT IS NOT ETHER, IT IS $XRP." pic.twitter.com/moYcx3OtG0

— The Wolf Of All Streets (@scottmelker) January 6, 2026

CNBC host Mackenzie Sigalos explained that investors piled into XRP ETFs during Q4 when the token’s price was lower. She described it as “the exact opposite” of what happens with Bitcoin and ethereum ETFs, where investors typically move with the price. This strategy has paid off in the first week of January trading.

Exchange Activity Points to Holding Behavior

XRP exchange reserves on Binance have fallen to their lowest levels in two years, according to data from CryptoQuant. Lower exchange balances typically indicate that investors are moving tokens off exchanges for longer-term holding rather than preparing to sell.

Network activity has also increased substantially. Transaction volume on the XRP Ledger is up more than 50% over the past two weeks, according to XRPscan data.

Market Prophit, which uses AI to analyze crypto social media accounts, reports that both retail and “smart money” sentiment for XRP are currently bullish.

Japanese Partnerships and Regulatory Developments

Ripple Labs announced partnerships with major Japanese financial institutions to expand XRP Ledger adoption in Japan. The partnerships include Mizuho Bank, SMBC Nikko, and Securitize Japan.

In December, Ripple received conditional approval from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to charter Ripple National Trust Bank.

Ripple President Monica Long told Bloomberg on Tuesday that the company’s November fundraising round, which valued the firm at $40 billion, was “very positive and favorable.” She stated there are no immediate plans for an initial public offering.

Senator Kennedy confirmed progress on the CLARITY Act markup, which has reduced regulatory uncertainty around crypto market structure. This development has particularly benefited large-cap tokens like XRP that have clearer regulatory positioning.

$XRP – I will become one of those Moonboy Influencers posting crazy numbers as soon as this bullish cross is CONFIRMED…

This will be crazy bullish and ATH is imminent if or when its confirmed!#XRPArmy #XRCommunity pic.twitter.com/CnMKlsnavF

— JD(@jaydee_757) January 7, 2026

Price currently trades NEAR the upper boundary of its recent price channel. The token reclaimed the $2.20 level, which had acted as resistance in November and December. Technical indicators show buyer control, with the Directional Movement Index reading 37 for buyers versus 10 for sellers.