XRP ($2.61) surged above the symbolic $3 threshold on Monday for the first time in nearly two weeks, sending ripples of excitement across the cryptocurrency community. According to market data, XRP briefly touched $3.03 before retreating and stabilizing around $2.96 by 1:30 PM Eastern Time. At this level, the asset’s market capitalization hovered near $176 billion—roughly $8 billion higher than Tether’s USDT ($1.00), reaffirming XRP’s position as the world’s third-largest digital asset.

The rally appeared to be fueled by reports of a strategic partnership between Ripple and Spanish banking giant BBVA. The deal is expected to involve Ripple providing digital asset custody technology to the bank, a move that could significantly expand XRP’s relevance in institutional finance.

Market Reaction and Sentiment

The short-lived push above $3 has been enough to reignite enthusiasm among traders and investors. Psychological barriers often act as inflection points in financial markets, and the $3 mark for XRP carries particular weight, having historically served as a magnet for both speculative momentum and institutional commentary.

Trading volumes surged during the move, reaching nearly three times the daily average, according to exchange data. The liquidity spike suggests that larger players—commonly referred to as “whales” or institutional participants—may have been behind the sudden increase in demand.

“XRP’s ability to reclaim $3 is not just a technical milestone, but also a symbolic one,” said Arthur Azizov, founder of B2 Ventures. “The price action shows us that ‘big money’ is actively engaged. $2.90 has held as strong support, while sellers are fiercely defending the $2.99–$3.00 resistance range. This tells me that the token is at a fascinating crossroads.”

The Ripple-BBVA Factor

The reported partnership between Ripple and BBVA adds a compelling narrative to the price surge. BBVA, one of Europe’s largest banks, has long shown interest in financial technology innovation. By adopting Ripple’s custody solutions, the bank aims to respond to rising client demand for secure access to cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets, while meeting stringent operational and compliance standards.

For XRP holders, the development represents more than just a commercial win—it reinforces Ripple’s reputation as a bridge between traditional finance and the blockchain economy. Custody services are particularly important for institutional adoption, as they provide regulated, bank-level safeguards for holding digital assets.

“Custody is the linchpin of institutional confidence,” noted one analyst at a London-based digital asset research firm. “If banks like BBVA are integrating Ripple’s solutions, it could pave the way for broader institutional inflows into XRP and other Ripple-linked technologies.”

Technical Analysis: Support, Resistance, and Outlook

From a technical perspective, XRP’s latest rally brings both opportunities and cautionary signals. The $3 level has acted as a stubborn ceiling in recent months, and breaking through it decisively could open the path toward July’s high of $3.66. However, the inability to maintain momentum above $3.00 during Monday’s session highlights the ongoing battle between bulls and bears.

Key levels to watch include:

• Support at $2.90: Strong buyer interest has been consistently observed around this zone. If breached, it could trigger a sharper correction toward the $2.75–$2.80 range.
• Resistance at $3.00–$3.05: Sellers have aggressively defended this area, suggesting it is a critical near-term hurdle.
• Upside target at $3.66: A break above $3.10 with strong volume could set the stage for a run toward July’s peak.

“The recent volume spike is encouraging, but sustained momentum requires follow-through,” said Azizov. “If institutional demand continues, we could see XRP retest $3.50 levels. But without it, the market may consolidate below $3 for some time.”

Institutional Interest: A Double-Edged Sword

The speculation around institutional participation raises both excitement and questions. On one hand, the entry of large financial players can provide liquidity, stability, and validation for digital assets. On the other, institutions are known for opportunistic behavior, often accelerating both rallies and sell-offs depending on market conditions.

“Institutions don’t necessarily ‘believe’ in XRP in the same way retail investors do,” explained a crypto hedge fund manager who requested anonymity. “They’re looking at liquidity, arbitrage, and risk-adjusted returns. Their presence is good for price discovery, but it can also make markets more volatile in the short term.”

Ripple’s Strategic Position

Ripple’s evolving strategy places it at the intersection of fintech innovation and regulatory compliance. By focusing on enterprise solutions, custody technology, and cross-border settlement, the company has managed to remain relevant despite regulatory challenges in the United States. The BBVA partnership, if confirmed, would extend Ripple’s influence into Europe’s mainstream banking system.

Moreover, the news aligns with Ripple’s long-standing ambition to integrate blockchain into the core of global finance. Its approach differs from many other projects that rely primarily on retail-driven narratives or decentralized finance hype. Instead, Ripple positions XRP as a utility asset in a regulated, institutionally compatible framework

Broader Market Context

XRP’s resurgence also comes against the backdrop of a broader recovery in the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin has been trading steadily above $60,000, while Ethereum remains resilient around the $2,500 level. The relative stability of the top two digital assets may have provided a foundation for altcoins like XRP to attract fresh attention.

Yet the competitive landscape remains fierce. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC ($1.00) continue to dominate daily transaction volumes, while new players in decentralized finance (DeFi) and real-world asset tokenization are vying for market share. XRP’s ability to differentiate itself through institutional partnerships could prove critical to maintaining relevance.

Investor Takeaway

For retail traders, the message is clear: XRP is back on the radar, but caution remains warranted. The asset’s history of sharp rallies and equally sharp corrections underscores the importance of risk management. For institutional investors, Ripple’s growing footprint in the custody space presents an intriguing value proposition, particularly as regulatory clarity improves across global jurisdictions.

“XRP has always been a polarizing asset—beloved by its community, criticized by skeptics,” observed the London analyst. “But with partnerships like BBVA’s, it continues to show why it can’t be ignored. The next few weeks will tell us if this is the start of a sustained breakout or just another fleeting rally.”