XRP Has Entered A ‘Super Cycle,’ Claims World’s Smartest Man, as Ripple Expands Payments To UK

ccn.comPublished on 2026-01-12Last updated on 2026-01-12

Abstract

YoungHoon Kim, who claims to be the "world's smartest man," has declared that XRP has entered a "super cycle," a period of extended strong upward momentum. His bullish predictions coincide with Ripple's announcement that it has obtained regulatory approval from the U.K.'s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to expand its cross-border payment services to the U.K. The new Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence and crypto asset registration will allow Ripple to offer its payment solutions to U.K. institutions. Kim, who previously focused on Bitcoin, now suggests XRP could outperform gold and silver in 2026 and potentially approach $1,000 in the next decade under certain macroeconomic conditions. The concept of a crypto "super cycle" has also been supported by other prominent figures like Binance's Changpeng Zhao and Fundstrat's Tom Lee. From a technical perspective, XRP's price is showing signals not seen in months. Analysts suggest that if the current bullish sentiment holds, XRP could break above $2.49, with a next target around $3.26. However, a drop below the $2 support level could lead to a decline toward $1.50.

The self-proclaimed “world’s smartest man,” YoungHoon Kim, is again spreading bullish predictions for XRP, saying the token has entered a “super cycle.”

Kim’s comments come as Ripple, the blockchain payments company behind the token, announced an expansion of its cross-border payment services to the U.K.

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XRP Super Cycle?

Kim, who claims an IQ of 276, made the comments in a series of posts on X, including a statement that “XRP is in a super cycle.”

In a previous post, Kim wrote that “it’s time for XRP. From now on.”

A “super cycle” refers to an extended period of strong upward momentum that significantly outpaces normal market growth, often driven by macroeconomic trends.

The notion of a crypto “super cycle” has gained traction among prominent market figures in recent months.

This term has been mentioned by Fundstrat and Bitmine’s co-founder Tom Lee, Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood, and most recently Binance founder Changpeng Zhao.

In response to the SEC removing crypto from 2026 priority risk list, CZ wrote : “I could be wrong, but Super Cycle incoming.”

Tom Lee said in November that he believed Ethereum was embarking on the same super cycle as Bitcoin from 2017.

“The path higher is not a straight line,” he wrote on X.

XRP Super Cycle, XRP Bullishness

Kim has been increasingly vocal about XRP’s potential.

Earlier this month, he wrote that the cryptocurrency may outperform precious metals in 2026, noting, “My prediction: XRP may outperform gold and silver in 2026.”

He added that while gold and silver were currently “pumping,” XRP would be “next.”

The comments mark a shift from Kim’s prior focus on Bitcoin, with whom he had previously engaged in frequent comparisons.

He has also suggested that XRP could approach $1,000 over the next decade under certain macroeconomic scenarios, citing a potential decline in the U.S. dollar and sustained inflation.

Ripple Expands Cross-Border Payments to UK

The predictions come as Ripple announced a significant regulatory milestone, obtaining approval for its Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence and crypto asset registration from the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The new approvals allow Ripple to extend its licenced cross-border payments platform to U.K. institutions, enabling them to send international payments using digital assets efficiently.

“Finance is undergoing a fundamental shift, and we are rapidly moving beyond pilots into a new era where blockchain and digital assets serve as critical infrastructure for the global economy,” said Monica Long, President at Ripple.

Adding: “Extending Ripple’s licensing portfolio and payments solution is about more than just efficiency; it is about unlocking trillions in dormant capital and realizing a world where value moves instantaneously.”

The firm said the new licence approvals “underscore the company’s deep and ongoing commitment to the U.K.,” with Ripple’s biggest office outside of the U.S. has been in London since 2016.

“Securing approvals from the FCA is a pivotal moment for Ripple, enabling us to provide essential digital assets infrastructure to U.K. businesses,” said Cassie Craddock, Managing Director, U.K. & Europe at Ripple.

“We have seen in other jurisdictions how regulatory clarity drives adoption, and the U.K. is poised to take advantage.”

What About XRP’s Price?

From a technical perspective, XRP’s price is showing signals that have not appeared in months, according to CCN analyst Victor Olanrewaju.

“XRP’s recent technical signals suggest that demand could increase if the current sentiment holds,” Olanrewaju said.

“Although the price recently fell below the critical $2 support level, bulls are likely to continue defending this floor,” he added. “If the momentum sustains, we could see XRP break out above $2.49, with the next potential target around $3.26.”

Olanrewaju cautioned, however, that failure to maintain support at $2 could invalidate the bullish outlook.

“If XRP falls below $2, it might decline toward $1.50, potentially erasing gains achieved so far in 2026,” he added.

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Related Questions

QWho is claiming that XRP has entered a 'super cycle'?

AYoungHoon Kim, who is the self-proclaimed 'world's smartest man'.

QWhat significant regulatory approval did Ripple recently obtain in the UK?

ARipple obtained approval for its Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence and crypto asset registration from the U.K.'s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

QAccording to the article, what is the definition of a 'super cycle' in the crypto market?

AA 'super cycle' refers to an extended period of strong upward momentum that significantly outpaces normal market growth, often driven by macroeconomic trends.

QWhat is the critical support level for XRP's price mentioned by analyst Victor Olanrewaju?

AThe critical support level for XRP's price is $2.

QWhich other prominent market figures have recently mentioned the possibility of a 'super cycle'?

AThe notion has been mentioned by Fundstrat and Bitmine's co-founder Tom Lee, Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood, and Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ).

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