The XRP market has returned to focus as technical comparisons and institutional developments converge, while macro signals continue to shape broader risk sentiment across global markets. A chart shared by analyst Steph Is Crypto compares two XRP market cycles and places the current structure alongside the 2017 breakout phase.
The analysis arrives as Ripple deepens its presence in the Middle East through a new partnership in Saudi Arabia. At the same time, investors track central bank signals as rate cut expectations fade. This overlap raises a single question: Is XRP approaching the same inflection point seen before its historic rally?
The left side of the chart shows the XRP price on a three-day timeframe from 2017 on Bitstamp. Price actions formed a five-wave advance; the structure began with an initial peak labeled wave one. A pullback followed into wave two.
After that, momentum rebuilt into wave three. Prices then entered a wide corrective phase, which produced a rounded base marked as wave four. From this zone, XRP surged in a steep move.
The final leg completed wave five. Price moved from below $0.30 into the multi-dollar range within weeks. The chart displays a near-vertical climb after consolidation was resolved.
On the right, the XRP three-day chart for the 2025–2026 period shows a similar progression. Waves one through three appear complete. Prices then entered a prolonged decline and consolidation phase labeled wave four.
This area stands out visually on the chart. It suggests a possible accumulation zone rather than a breakdown. The structure mirrors the earlier cycle in sequence and pacing.
A projection arrow extends sharply higher into 2026. The notional wave five target reaches far above prior highs on the logarithmic scale. The chart does not assign timing. It focuses on structural similarity.
Alongside the chart discussion, Jeel, the innovation and technology arm of Riyad Bank, announced a partnership with Ripple. This collaboration aims to explore blockchain applications across Saudi Arabia’s financial sector.
The partnership will assess how blockchain can improve cross-border payment speed, reduce costs, and increase transparency. The scope also includes digital asset custody and tokenization use cases aligned with Vision 2030 goals.
Jeel and Ripple plan to test blockchain-enabled payment corridors. They will also evaluate custody frameworks that meet regulatory and operational standards. Proof-of-concept will run inside Jeel’s regulatory sandbox.
Ripple gains access to Saudi Arabia’s fintech ecosystem through institutional networks and controlled testing environments. The arrangement allows Ripple to demonstrate enterprise-grade infrastructure under local compliance standards.
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XRP’s market trajectory has tracked Ripple’s outreach to banks and payment firms. Last year, Reuters reported that U.S. regulators dropped a lawsuit accusing Ripple of selling unregistered securities to institutions. That decision removed a major overhang.
Meanwhile, macro conditions continue to guide risk appetite. A recent Reuters column noted that markets now discount fresh rate cuts at the current Federal Reserve meeting.
Investors focus on guidance from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Political pressure and policy tone remain key variables as digital asset markets assess near-term direction.
XRP has returned to attention as its price chart mirrors the 2017 market cycle while Ripple expands its footprint through a Saudi fintech partnership. Together with easing regulatory pressure and steady macro focus, these developments place XRP at a critical juncture that traders and institutions continue to monitor closely.