A survey by Coinbase confirms that 25% of institutions plan to include $XRP in their allocations in 2026.
The crypto market has struggled since October 2025, with total market value dropping by $1.45 trillion over this period. During the same time, $XRP has fallen by nearly 51%, showing that altcoins have faced the same pressure as Bitcoin (BTC).
Despite this sustained downturn, large institutional investors have not stepped away from the market. Instead, they have begun adjusting their strategies. A Coinbase survey confirmed that 25% of institutions plan to add $XRP to their allocations this year.
Key Points
- The total crypto market has lost $1.45 trillion since October 2025, with $XRP declining by nearly 51% within the same period.
- Despite the ongoing downturn, a January 2026 survey by Coinbase confirms that institutions continue to seek out crypto exposure.
- Per the survey, 73% of institutions plan to increase crypto allocations in 2026, while 29% expect exposure above 5% of AUM, up from 18%.
- Data indicates that 18% of institutions already held $XRP as of January 2026, with 25% planning to add it to their allocations in 2026.
- Also, 56% of institutions are expected to hold assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum in 2026, showing a diversification trend that includes $XRP.
Institutions Remain in Crypto with a Change in Strategy
The January 2026 survey by Coinbase, carried out with Ernst & Young, included 351 institutional investors, with 96% managing more than $1 billion in assets.
In terms of location, 60% came from the United States, 20% from Europe, and the rest came from other regions. The results show that institutions plan to remain in the market but have begun adjusting their investment strategies.
Per the findings, 73% of institutions plan to increase their crypto holdings in 2026. Also, 29% expect crypto to make up more than 5% of their total assets, up from 18% before.
While optimism has eased slightly, it remains strong. Specifically, the share of investors expecting prices to rise dropped from 79% to 74%, but most still believe the market will improve over the next year.
Meanwhile, institutions are changing how they invest. About 66% now use ETFs or ETPs, and 81% prefer regulated investment options. Also, risk control has become more important, with 49% increasing their focus on risk management.
When it comes to custody, 66% now focus on regulatory compliance, up from 25%, and 66% also prioritize security, compared to just 8% before. Further, while 65% say clear rules would encourage them to invest more, 66% still see unclear regulations as a major concern.
$XRP Seeing Growing Interest
Within this trend, $XRP is becoming more important in institutional portfolios. The survey lists $XRP as one of the main assets outside of Bitcoin and Ethereum that institutions either hold or plan to add. Specifically, it sits alongside other major altcoins such as SOL, BNB, TRX, ADA, DOGE, and LINK.
As of January 2026, 18% of institutions already hold $XRP, but 25% confirmed plans to add it during the year. More broadly, the share of investors holding assets outside Bitcoin and Ethereum, including $XRP, is expected to reach 56% in 2026.
Institutions Planning to Increase $XRP Allocations
Bitcoin still leads the market, with 94% of institutions holding it as of January 2026. However, there are signs of change. Only 91% plan to continue or increase their Bitcoin exposure in 2026, suggesting that some investors are moving away to other assets like $XRP and similar altcoins.
Growth in Stablecoins, DeFi, and Tokenization
The survey also shows growing interest in newer areas of crypto. Notably, stablecoins are leading this trend, with 86% of institutions either using them or planning to use them. Most use them for instant settlement, mentioned by 88%, and cash management, mentioned by 85%.
Interest in decentralized finance is also rising. So far, 13% of institutions are already active in DeFi, while 43% plan to join by 2028, bringing the expected total to 56%.
Tokenization is another important area gaining attention. Notably, the data shows that 64% of asset managers are interested in tokenized assets, while 11% have already invested. Meanwhile, 62% plan to invest in this area by 2027.
