XRP: Poised for a Major Rally as Nine-Year Bullish Channel Holds Firm
As of February 13, 2026, XRP is demonstrating remarkable resilience by maintaining its position within a nine-year ascending channel on monthly charts, a technical pattern that has defined its long-term bullish trajectory since approximately 2017. This steadfast adherence to the channel comes despite prevailing bearish sentiment in the broader market, underscoring XRP's underlying strength. The cryptocurrency is currently undergoing a critical test, trading within a pivotal support zone between $0.85 and $0.95. This price band is not merely a random level but a historically significant area that has consistently acted as a springboard for major price rallies in XRP's past. Market analysts, including technical expert Arthur, are closely monitoring this consolidation phase. They interpret the current price action not as a sign of weakness, but as a strategic accumulation territory. The prevailing thesis suggests that sophisticated institutional capital is likely entering the market at these levels, building positions in anticipation of the next significant upward move. This institutional interest is a key development, as it provides a fundamental underpinning to the bullish technical structure. The convergence of a proven long-term bullish channel, a historically potent support zone, and growing institutional accumulation paints a compelling picture for XRP's future. The successful defense of the $0.85-$0.95 support is seen as the final prerequisite before a potential breakout and a sustained rally towards higher price targets, making the current period a potentially pivotal moment for investors and the asset's price discovery journey.
XRP Holds Nine-Year Bullish Channel as Institutional Interest Looms
XRP's price action continues to trace a nine-year ascending channel on monthly charts, defying recent bearish sentiment. The cryptocurrency now tests a critical support zone between $0.85 and $0.95—a region that historically precedes major rallies. Analysts interpret this consolidation as accumulation territory for institutional capital.
Technical analyst Arthur highlights the $0.85-$0.95 band as a strategic entry point, noting its significance across multiple market cycles. Current prices NEAR $1.37 represent a 33% monthly decline, yet trading volumes suggest this correction lacks the panic of previous bear phases. The market appears poised for a structural shift toward institutional participation by February 2026.
While 2024's rally underperforms historical surges in volume, the extended base-building period aligns with traditional asset accumulation patterns. Market observers increasingly view XRP's technical resilience as indicative of impending 'smart money' involvement—a transition that could redefine its role in digital asset markets.
Analyst Explains XRP $1 Opportunity as Double Bottom Pattern Emerges
XRP trades at $1.38, marking a 1.78% daily gain, yet market commentator Zach Rector suggests the correction phase may persist. A emerging double-bottom pattern could signal a buying opportunity near $1 for long-term investors.
Technical analysts often view double bottoms as reversal indicators, particularly after sustained downtrends. The pattern's completion typically requires a breakout above the intervening peak—a development that WOULD bolster bullish sentiment for XRP.
Ripple Supports Hex Trust's Institutional Push into XRP DeFi Ecosystem
Hex Trust, with backing from Ripple, is advancing institutional participation in the XRP decentralized finance (DeFi) space. Giorgia Pellizzari, Chief Product Officer at Hex Trust, detailed the firm's infrastructure at Consensus 2026 in Hong Kong, enabling regulated custody of native XRP and its cross-chain utility as wrapped wXRP.
The initiative bridges traditional finance with blockchain by allowing institutions to collateralize XRP while maintaining compliance—a strategic MOVE that could accelerate institutional adoption of Ripple's ecosystem.
Upbit Leads as XRP Spot and Futures Volumes Spike Amid Price Dip
XRP trading activity has surged over the past week, with spot and futures volumes climbing despite the asset's price decline. Upbit emerges as the dominant platform for this activity, accounting for a significant portion of the volume increase.
Market participants appear to be capitalizing on XRP's volatility, with trading interest persisting even as the token struggles to regain momentum. The divergence between price action and volume suggests heightened speculation or accumulation at current levels.
XRP Ledger Foundation Appoints Brett Mollin as New Executive Director
The XRP Ledger Foundation has named Brett Mollin as its new Executive Director, signaling a strategic push to enhance the network's security and decentralization. Mollin brings over a decade of hands-on experience within the XRPL ecosystem, including a tenure as Technical Director at Ripple where he spearheaded developer and institutional adoption efforts.
His appointment comes at a critical juncture for the XRP Ledger as it prepares for heightened transaction volumes and institutional participation. Mollin's priorities include implementing audit-ready infrastructure practices and expanding ecosystem partnerships—moves that could position XRP for broader enterprise adoption.
The leadership transition underscores the Foundation's commitment to technical rigor. Mollin's 11-year track record in validator operations and community engagement suggests a focus on maintaining decentralization while scaling network capabilities.
Ripple President Forecasts 2026 as Watershed Year for XRP Institutional Adoption
Ripple President Monica Long has positioned 2026 as the inflection point for XRP's institutional adoption during her keynote at XRP Community Day. The cryptocurrency is already being deployed by financial institutions for cross-border settlements, treasury operations, and FX bridge assets—a trend Long characterizes as "institutional adoption at scale."
Ripple's strategic pivot includes rebranding Hidden Road as Ripple Prime to deepen institutional integration, while supporting the XLS-66 proposal to enable yield generation on XRP holdings. This institutional momentum is reflected in XRP ETFs attracting $1.23 billion in inflows since November.
The development signals a maturation phase for XRP beyond retail speculation, with Long emphasizing December 2026 as when these institutional adoption efforts will demonstrate measurable impact. The announcement comes as regulatory clarity improves and traditional finance increasingly views digital assets as operational tools rather than speculative instruments.
