Ripple’s XRP is in a strange position right now. The broader crypto market has been sliding, and XRP hasn’t been spared. The price is hovering around $1.37 — levels not seen since the 2024 lows.

But beneath the weak chart, something else is happening.

While price action looks fragile, Ripple has been quietly securing major institutional partnerships. That contrast is what makes this moment so important. On the surface, XRP appears under pressure… yet behind the scenes, developments are getting stronger.

And now, a White House deadline could accelerate crypto regulation in a big way.

Ripple’s Aviva Partnership: Bigger Than It Seems

Ripple recently announced a partnership with Aviva Investors, one of the UK’s largest asset managers.

The goal? To bring tokenized traditional fund products onto the XRP Ledger starting in 2026. This isn’t hype-driven speculation — it’s real financial infrastructure.

Ripple is positioning XRPL deeper into the real-world asset sector, where institutions prioritize compliance, regulated settlement, and secure rails.

This move may not trigger an instant price surge, but it strengthens XRP’s long-term foundation. Institutional integrations like this are how crypto shifts from speculation to real adoption.

XRP Still Caught in Market Pressure

Despite the positive news, XRP remains trapped in the broader market sell-off. The price sits near $1.37, a key support level.

Traders are watching closely. If this level breaks, downside targets could come quickly. The short-term sentiment remains cautious — this isn’t a breakout setup yet. It’s more of a stabilization phase. A bounce is possible, but confirmation is still needed.

March 1: A Potential Turning Point

There’s another factor that could shift the narrative.

Crypto analyst Aiman (with nearly 88K subscribers) recently pointed out that the White House has reportedly encouraged banks and crypto firms to reach an agreement on the Clarity Act and broader market structure legislation by March 1.

Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, emphasized that the “window is still open” and action is needed soon.

Regulation has been a long-standing cloud over XRP. If the U.S. moves toward clearer crypto rules, XRP could be one of the biggest beneficiaries due to its deep involvement in regulatory discussions.

This isn’t just political noise — it could be a confidence catalyst for institutions.

XRP Price Outlook: Key Levels to Watch

At $1.37, XRP is at a critical decision point.

If buyers defend this support and price reclaims $1.52, the next upside targets sit around $1.75–$1.85.

If broader market sentiment improves — especially around the March 1 deadline — a move toward $2.10 becomes realistic.

However, if $1.37 fails to hold, the next support level lies near $1.12.

The strategy is clear:

Hold support, reclaim $1.50, and momentum can build. Lose support, and the market could see another sharp drop before any real recovery begins.

XRP may look weak on the surface — but underneath, the fundamentals are evolving. The next few weeks could determine whether this is just another dip… or the start of something bigger.