XRP Analyst Urges Holders to Reset Adoption Expectations as Central Banks Lag

• XRP adoption is slower than expected as global institutions and central banks move gradually.
• Analyst Zach Rector urges the community to focus on real utility, not hype or price speculation.
• Long-term growth tied to cross-border payments, DeFi, and tokenized assets, not short-term gains.

Longtime XRP analyst Zach Rector is calling for a more honest conversation within the XRP community. He argues that expectations around adoption and regulation have often been misaligned with reality.

After nearly seven years following XRP, Rector says recent developments show that global institutions are moving at a much slower pace than many investors initially expected.

Governments and Central Banks Moving Slower Than Expected

Rector pointed out that many XRP holders once believed mass adoption and regulatory clarity would arrive quickly, especially during the 2020–2021 period. Instead, progress stalled as regulators launched legal actions against Ripple and XRP.

While XRP has since gained legal clarity, Rector notes that broader market-structure regulation through the Clarity Act is still pending. 

He cites updates from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) suggesting that even G20 nations are behind on their cross-border payment goals, which now stretch toward 2027 and 2030.

XRP Holders Still Frustrated Despite Legal Clarity

Rector says XRP is stronger now after Ripple’s legal battle ended, but this hasn’t translated into immediate global adoption. Institutional adoption is occurring slowly, over years, not months, which has frustrated many in the community.

He also warns against hype, false insider claims, and exaggerated price predictions, saying they distract from real progress. Instead, he urges the community to focus on verified developments and long-term utility.

Refocusing on Utility and the Internet of Value

Rector believes XRP’s main strength lies in cross-border payments and its role in the “Internet of Value”. Adoption may be slower than expected, but that doesn’t diminish XRP’s long-term potential. He is confident its price will grow over time, though patience is required as institutions and governments move slowly.

Looking ahead, Rector is optimistic about the XRP community. With legal clarity and ongoing global payment discussions, he believes XRP is poised for growth through 2026, provided the community stays focused on real use rather than hype.

Analyst Zach Rector Shares XRP 2026 Wishlist

In a separate commentary, Rector outlined his 2026 wishlist, emphasizing real-world utility and adoption over price speculation. His vision aligns with Panos Mekras of Anodos Finance.

Key Wishlist Items:

• Batch Transactions & Sponsored Fees: Making XRP easier and cheaper to use, allowing users to transact without holding XRP, thereby boosting developer adoption.

• Real-World Assets (RWA): Expansion of tokenized assets like stablecoins, stocks, and commodities, potentially enabled by clearer regulations such as the Clarity Act.

• DeFi & Lending Protocol: A native lending protocol to enable decentralized borrowing and lending, increase liquidity, and strengthen the XRP DeFi ecosystem.

• Developer Support & Incentives: Grants and tools from the XRP Ledger Foundation to encourage high-impact applications and attract new users.

• Focus on Fundamentals: Rector stresses promoting XRP’s practical uses over speculative price narratives.

Rector concludes that XRP’s long-term growth depends on real-world adoption and utility rather than hype.

Related: Can Technical Analysis Really Predict XRP’s Price in a Utility-Driven Market?