XRP climbed 8.36% over 24 hours to $1.49 on September 21, 2026, as trading volume jumped 36.67% to $4.45 billion, according to CoinMarketCap. The fifth-largest cryptocurrency by market cap outperformed as renewed Bitcoin ETF demand, heavy short liquidations, altcoin rotation, and Ripple’s expanding institutional custody presence across Africa combined to strengthen buying interest.
Bitcoin added 5.2% after spot exchange-traded funds pulled in $433 million on September 18, reversing prior outflows and improving investor sentiment, SoSoValue data showed. CoinGlass recorded $262 million in short liquidations across the market, forcing bearish traders to cover positions and adding buying pressure. Broader rotation lifted Solana by 7.15% and NEAR Protocol by roughly 20.56%, while the CoinMarketCap Altcoin Season Index rose 4.17%.
Ripple’s managing director for the Middle East and Africa, Reece Merrick, said Absa Corporate and Investment Banking launched Absa Digital Asset Custody using Ripple’s custody technology. He called the partnership a major milestone for secure, compliant, bank-grade digital asset management in Africa. The announcement does not confirm direct XRP purchases, but it highlights growing institutional adoption of Ripple’s technology among established financial institutions.
Technically, XRP advanced from about $1.3771 toward $1.49, holding support near $1.45. Resistance sits between $1.50 and $1.55, while the 14-day Relative Strength Index reached 73.75, signaling overbought conditions after the rapid move. Losing $1.45 could open retracement levels near $1.40 and $1.37.
