XRP advances 8% beyond $2 as traders wager on easing SEC pressure

XRP climbed above $2 on Friday for the first time since mid-December, continuing a strong start to 2026 as traders pointed to sustained spot ETF inflows and a more constructive U.S. regulatory backdrop.

Figures from SoSoValue showed U.S. spot XRP ETFs attracted $13.59 million in net inflows on Jan. 2, bringing total inflows since launch to $1.18 billion. The consistent demand has helped support XRP’s near-term supply-and-demand dynamics, even as broader crypto markets remain largely rangebound.

The advance coincided with a reassessment of the regulatory landscape following the departure of SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw. Some market participants see her exit as easing resistance to more crypto-friendly policies. Crenshaw had been one of the most vocal critics of crypto spot ETFs and had opposed the SEC’s decision to drop its appeal in the Ripple case, according to market commentary.

Legislative speculation also added to the momentum. Traders pointed to a potential Market Structure Bill markup scheduled for Jan. 15, keeping policy expectations elevated into the first quarter and supporting XRP’s relative outperformance.

XRP’s rally stood out amid mixed flows across other major crypto ETFs. The same data showed softer demand for bitcoin funds, reinforcing the view that XRP’s gains are being driven by asset-specific catalysts rather than a broad risk-on move.

XRP was last trading just above $2, up roughly 8% on the day. Bitcoin hovered slightly above $90,000, while ether traded near $3,000, both recording only modest gains.