Pundit to XRP Holders: The Move Is Already Underway

John Squire has drawn attention to a moment he considers more significant than many observers realize, suggesting that Brad Garlinghouse has effectively confirmed 2026 as a target year during his panel appearance at Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai. Squire's interpretation is that the shift toward 2026 is already in motion, based on this conversation and visible institutional involvement.

Market Conditions and Institutional Momentum

In a video shared with Squire’s post, Brad Garlinghouse addressed the market's bearish phase, noting that crypto still moves through familiar cycles and that current uncertainty reflects a broader risk-off period. Despite this, he emphasized that many macro factors are now supporting the sector.

Garlinghouse pointed to the United States, a significant portion of the global economy, as a region that has transitioned from a hostile posture to a clearer regulatory direction. He believes institutions are still adjusting to this new environment, but their presence at major events indicates they are positioning for future developments.

He referenced the participation of Franklin Templeton, BlackRock, and the recent shift by Vanguard, which had previously been hesitant to engage with digital assets. Garlinghouse described Vanguard’s reversal as a strong indicator that institutional participation is broadening, aligning with the message Squire conveyed.

ETF Growth and Long-Term Expectations

When questioned about the significance of ETF developments, Garlinghouse stated they were not exaggerated. He explained that ETFs had been hindered for years by regulatory issues, and only recent clarity has allowed them to emerge.

He noted that hundreds of millions of dollars have already flowed into XRP ETFs in a short period, characterizing this as demand that had previously been unable to enter the market.

Garlinghouse added that crypto ETFs currently represent a small fraction of the overall ETF market and anticipates this share will grow significantly beyond current levels by 2026. His comments reinforced his view that institutional inflows have commenced and are expected to expand.

Utility, Stablecoins, and Real-World Adoption

Garlinghouse also discussed the role of stablecoins, explaining that many users remained in stable assets during risk-off periods due to trust and convenience. He highlighted that Ripple’s stablecoin has surpassed a billion dollars in market cap and has received approval in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. These developments, he stated, demonstrate a growing prominence of practical applications, including payments and collateral use.

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He discussed Ripple’s acquisition of G Treasury, noting that several corporate clients with substantial payment volumes are already evaluating stablecoin solutions for improved efficiency and flexibility. This interest, he explained, is increasing due to the evolving regulatory environment.

Regulatory Progress and the 2026 Target

Regarding U.S. regulation, Garlinghouse mentioned that recent developments, including the Genius Act and ongoing work on the Clarity Act, are attracting more institutions to the sector. He anticipates further progress in the first half of the upcoming year. He concluded his remarks by projecting that Bitcoin could reach $180,000 by the end of 2026.

Squire's post interprets these points as a convergence of institutional forces, regulatory stability, and real utility for the coming years. In his view, the anticipated shift toward 2026 has already commenced.