Technical analysis of the XRP/Bitcoin (BTC) pair suggests a potential 56% upside move is still in play, while regulatory developments could unlock massive new institutional demand. On the monthly timeframe, the XRP/BTC pair continues to hold a critical structural support level at 0.00001985 BTC, which has rejected breakdowns since mid-2024, most recently in January 2026. This level, the midline of the monthly Bollinger Bands, is seen by analysts as the "lifeline" keeping the bullish "XRP supercycle" thesis alive.
The upper monthly Bollinger Band sits at 0.00003345 BTC, representing a 56% gain from current levels near 0.000021 BTC. The weekly chart shows a consolidation phase with nine consecutive candles trading between 0.00002021 BTC and 0.0000228 BTC. Historically, similar structural holds have preceded major rallies, including a tripling of the pair in Q1 2025 and the 2021 impulse rally.
Simultaneously, a significant regulatory development emerged that could benefit XRP and other major cryptocurrencies. In a CNBC interview on January 29, 2026, SEC Chair Paul Atkins stated that now is the "right" time to open the $12.5 trillion U.S. 401(k) retirement market to cryptocurrency investments. This aligns with previous supportive comments from President Donald Trump.
The potential influx of capital is staggering. A mere 1% allocation from the $12+ trillion in retirement assets would bring approximately $120 billion into the crypto market. Analysts expect blue-chip tokens like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, and Solana (SOL) to be the primary beneficiaries.
Fundamental data for XRP also shows positive signs. According to SoSoValue, XRP Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have seen over $91 million in net inflows year-to-date in 2026, outperforming Ethereum ETFs ($55 million inflows) and contrasting with Bitcoin ETFs, which have seen $278 million in outflows. Furthermore, the market capitalization of Ripple's stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), has grown to over $1.4 billion.
On the XRP/USD chart, the token has formed a triple-bottom pattern at $1.7915, with a neckline at $2.4133. It is also trading within a falling wedge pattern. This technical setup points to a potential bullish reversal, with an initial target of $2.4133—a 30% increase from current levels near $1.87.
