New York, January 27, 2026, 17:02 EST — After-hours trading
- XRP gained roughly 0.7% in the last 24 hours, staying just below the $2 mark.
- Ripple struck a deal with Riyad Bank’s innovation division to pilot blockchain payments and tokenization in Saudi Arabia.
- Wednesday’s Fed decision and fresh disclosures from an XRP-linked ETF are also on traders’ radar.
XRP traded around $1.91 late Tuesday in the U.S., climbing roughly 0.7% in the last 24 hours. Investors digested news of a fresh Ripple deal in Saudi Arabia alongside recent U.S. fund filings linked to the token. 1
Ripple announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Jeel, the innovation and technology division of Saudi lender Riyad Bank, to test blockchain-based cross-border payments and digital-asset services within a regulatory sandbox—a controlled environment for product trials under supervision. Jeel CEO George Harrak said the aim is “to responsibly explore next-generation financial infrastructure.” 2
Why this matters now: Crypto prices remain volatile as traders brace for the Federal Reserve’s upcoming rate decision. Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks could shift appetite for risk assets by altering views on liquidity and the dollar’s trajectory. The Fed will issue its policy statement at 2:00 p.m. ET on Jan. 28, with a press conference set for 2:30 p.m. ET. 3
XRP’s trading has reacted sharply to any hint of “real-world” use, as investors shift focus from meme-fueled spikes to payments, custody, and regulated market frameworks — all sectors where Ripple is actively trying to grow. 4
Over the last 24 hours, XRP fluctuated between about $1.87 and $1.93. Bitcoin hovered close to $88,988, with ether around $3,013, based on market data.
Separately, a prospectus supplement filed Monday for the 21Shares XRP ETF included the trust’s latest quarterly report on Form 10‑Q. The filing revealed the trust held 98.12 million XRP, worth roughly $280.0 million as of Sept. 30, 2025. Its shares trade on Cboe BZX under the ticker TOXR.
Brokerage materials for TOXR outline the product as aiming to mirror XRP’s performance, based on a benchmark, minus fees and expenses — essentially packaging the token into a stock-like trading vehicle. 5
Ripple is also riding a broader wave among crypto companies moving into regulated finance. The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency gave conditional approval to multiple national trust bank charters, one of which is Ripple National Trust Bank. 6
The regulatory battle remains unsettled. Geoff Kendrick of Standard Chartered warned that U.S. banks “face a threat” as payment networks and key operations migrate to stablecoins — dollar-pegged tokens commonly used for transferring money within crypto markets. 7
That said, risks remain. The Saudi deal is just an MoU and might not boost transaction volume or XRP demand anytime soon, if ever. ETF-driven moves can shift suddenly with market mood. Add a tougher Fed stance, and the wider crypto space—and XRP—could take a hit.
Traders are zeroing in on Wednesday’s Fed decision and Powell’s press conference. Also on the radar: Ripple’s “XRP Community Day” online event set for Feb. 11, which will include a fireside chat with CEO Brad Garlinghouse and crypto commentator Tony Edward. 8
