The ongoing conflict between the US and Iran continues to drive up oil prices and market tensions, while the increased risk of inflation is negatively impacting Bitcoin and altcoins.
At this point, cryptocurrency markets started the last day of the week with a decline, with Bitcoin falling below $68,000 and Ethereum approaching the $2,000 mark.
While other major altcoins also saw declines reaching 5%, $XRP fell 60% from its peak of $3.6, dropping to around $1.3.
As the $XRP price experiences a sharp decline, institutional investors are planning to increase their allocations.
According to a survey conducted by Ernst & Young and Coinbase, 25% of institutional investors stated that they will invest in $XRP in 2026.
The survey included 351 institutional investors, most of whom manage assets exceeding $1 billion.
73% of those surveyed stated that they plan to increase their investments in cryptocurrencies in 2026.
While Bitcoin maintains its leading position in institutional portfolios, investors are planning to expand beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum to other assets.
Institutional investors have indicated their intention to diversify beyond Bitcoin into other cryptocurrencies, with $XRP being one of them.
At this point, 18% of institutions have already stated that they have invested in $XRP, while 25% plan to invest in $XRP in 2026.
$XRP has attracted significant institutional investment following its spot ETF approvals, with data revealing that Goldman Sachs has also invested approximately $154 million.
*This is not investment advice.