The cryptocurrency market in early 2026 is seeing renewed activity in established assets like XRP alongside the emergence of new PayFi platforms like Digitap ($TAP), which is currently in a presale phase. XRP opened the year around $1.84 and reached $2.38 in early January, supported by ETF inflows totaling $1.3 billion over 50 days and positive market sentiment. With a market capitalization nearing $125 billion, analysts project a 2027 price range of $3–$5 per token, implying a potential market cap of $180–$330 billion, contingent on regulatory clarity, ETF approvals, and continued adoption of RippleNet infrastructure.
In contrast, Digitap ($TAP) is positioning itself as a consumer-focused "omni-bank" platform that blends crypto and traditional finance. Currently in presale at $0.0427 per token, the project has raised over $4 million and distributed more than 188 million tokens. The platform is already live, featuring over 120,000 connected wallets, and offers multi-asset support for 20+ fiat currencies and 100+ cryptocurrencies. A key differentiator is its smart routing system, which uses AI to select optimal paths for transactions—whether on public blockchains or legacy rails like SWIFT, SEPA, and ACH—enabling low-cost cross-border transfers with settlement fees below 1%.
Concurrently, yield-seeking investors in January 2026 are comparing established mechanisms like Ethereum staking with early-stage models like Digitap's presale staking. Ethereum staking, with approximately 36 million ETH currently staked, represents a mature, predictable yield mechanism, though returns have declined as participation has grown. Digitap's staking model, however, is tied to its presale and future platform activity. The project outlines that staking rewards are sourced from a predefined pool and that a portion of operational revenue will be allocated to token-related mechanisms, including staking incentives and supply reduction. This model carries higher execution and adoption risk typical of early-stage projects.
Digitap's live application, available on iOS and Android, features a Visa card linked to on-chain balances and aims to abstract blockchain complexity for everyday users, freelancers, and global payments. While XRP remains institutionally focused, Digitap is carving a niche in consumer PayFi, demonstrating active traction with its live platform and growing adoption metrics as it continues its presale campaign.
