XRP Jumps 8% Above $2 on SEC Leadership Shuffle
Why did XRP jump 8% in January 2026? XRP surged 8% to above $2 on January 3, 2026, following the announced departure of SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw, who opposed crypto-friendly policies. The rally was further supported by continued XRP ETF inflows, with $13.59 million entering on January 2 alone.
XRP surged past the $2 level for the first time since mid-December, climbing approximately 8% as traders bet on more crypto-friendly regulatory policies following key SEC leadership changes.
Key Highlights
- -XRP rose from $1.87 to $2.02, an 8% gain in 24 hours
- -First time above $2 since mid-December 2025
- -SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw departure announced
- -$13.59 million in ETF inflows on January 2
SEC Leadership Changes
The rally was catalyzed by the announcement of SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw's departure. Crenshaw had been among the most vocal skeptics of crypto spot ETFs and opposed SEC efforts to settle the Ripple case favorably. Her exit removes the last member of the SEC who supported former Chair Gary Gensler's aggressive crypto enforcement approach.
ETF Momentum Continues
U.S. spot XRP ETFs received $13.59 million in inflows on January 2, extending the weekly inflow streak to eight consecutive weeks. Total inflows since launch have now reached $1.18 billion, with zero outflow days recorded since the November 14 debut.
Outperforming the Market
XRP's 8% gain significantly outpaced Bitcoin's modest 2% rise, with BTC hovering near $90,000. The outperformance reflects token-specific catalysts rather than broader market sentiment. Analysts note that the strength in XRP contrasts with weaker Bitcoin ETF flows, suggesting targeted institutional demand.
What's Next
Traders are now watching for a potential Market Structure Bill markup scheduled for January 15, which could further clarify the regulatory framework for digital assets. If passed, this legislation could accelerate institutional adoption and provide additional tailwinds for XRP ETF inflows.