New York, Jan 26, 2026, 13:53 EST — Regular session
- XRP climbed close to 5% over the last 24 hours, bouncing back from a weekend slump
- Ripple and Riyad Bank’s unit Jeel announced plans to test blockchain payment rails within a regulatory sandbox
- Traders await the Federal Reserve’s rate decision later this week
XRP climbed roughly 5% Monday, pushing the token back near $1.92 amid a firmer crypto market. Bitcoin ticked up about 1%, while ether added close to 3%, according to CoinMarketCap. 1
The rally followed news that Ripple teamed up with Jeel, the tech and innovation wing of Saudi Arabia’s Riyad Bank. They inked a memorandum of understanding to dig into blockchain uses for cross-border payments, digital-asset custody, and tokenization — bringing actual banking pilots back into focus for a token usually driven by headlines. “This partnership with Ripple reflects our strategy of using the Jeel Sandbox to responsibly explore next-generation financial infrastructure,” said Jeel CEO George Harrak. 2
The significance today isn’t just one deal—it’s the timing. Crypto’s been moving like a volatile rate play, with markets bracing for a U.S. central bank decision amid political noise and fragile risk appetite.
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep rates unchanged this week, but investors are fixated on the tone surrounding policy and the central bank’s independence. This comes amid a criminal probe into Chair Jerome Powell and mounting political pressure, Reuters reported. “It’s not possible to view the actions of the next Fed chair as separate from the economic environment,” Tim Duy, chief U.S. economist at SGH Macro Advisors, told Reuters. 3
XRP appeared to bounce back after a tough Sunday, recovering sharply following a 4.14% drop on Jan. 25. According to Investing.com data, the cryptocurrency traded between about $1.83 and $1.94 on Jan. 26 before gaining ground. 4
Traders eye $2 as a key pivot. Simply put, it’s a level where sellers step in and buyers attempt to break through, leaving little margin for mistakes.
The downside here is clear. If the Fed turns hawkish or risk assets take a broad hit, XRP could dive back to recent lows fast. Plus, bank pilots don’t guarantee an immediate boost in demand for the token.
The token continues to wrestle with the aftermath of U.S. regulatory action. The SEC wrapped up its lawsuit against Ripple in August 2025, imposing a $125 million fine and maintaining a ban on XRP sales to institutional investors, according to Reuters. 5
Crypto never sleeps, yet this week feels different—more like a planned moment. Traders are focused on whether XRP can hold onto its bounce as major macro events threaten to shake up liquidity.
Wednesday, Jan. 28, brings the Fed’s rate decision and press conference, as listed on the U.S. central bank’s calendar. 6
