XRP Investors Shift Focus as This New Crypto Protocol Enters Q1 2026, Experts Compare

Dubai, UAE, February 1, 2026

The digital asset market is entering a new phase of maturity in 2026. Many holders who have stayed with established coins for years are now looking for fresh opportunities. While legendary names still dominate the headlines, the “smart money” is starting to rebalance their portfolios. Traders are seeking assets that offer more than just historical fame. They want projects with live technology and early entry prices. This shift is most visible among XRP investors who are searching for the next big utility jump. As the first quarter of the year progresses, a new protocol is emerging as a primary destination for this rotating capital.

Ripple (XRP)

Ripple (XRP) remains one of the most significant assets in the crypto world. In early 2026, the price of XRP was trading near $1.80, supported by a massive market capitalization of over $100 billion. The token has a long history of early surges and high-profile legal victories that once sent its value soaring. However, being a top-tier asset comes with a specific set of challenges. Because its market cap is already so large, it requires billions of dollars in new capital just to move the price by a small percentage.

Experts note that XRP is currently navigating heavy resistance zones that have capped its growth for months. While institutional adoption and ETF interest provide a steady floor, the forward return outlook is becoming more conservative. 

Conservative models project average prices between $2.00 and $2.20 for the remainder of the year. For many traders, a potential 10% to 20% gain is no longer enough when compared to the explosive growth found in the early-stage DeFi sector. XRP has become a “safe haven” altcoin, but its days of delivering 10x returns in a single cycle appear to be in the past.

Mutuum Finance (MUTM)

In contrast to the mature profile of XRP, Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is entering the market as an early-stage powerhouse. Mutuum Finance is building a decentralized ecosystem on the Ethereum network that changes how people lend and borrow. 

The platform develops a dual-market mechanism. This includes Peer-to-Contract (P2C) pools for instant liquidity and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) markets for custom loan deals. A key feature is the mtToken system, which gives lenders yield-bearing receipts that grow in value automatically as interest is collected from borrowers.

The project is currently in Phase 7 of its structured presale, with the price set at an accessible $0.04. Unlike many projects that launch without a product, Mutuum has already raised over $20.1 million and secured a community of more than 19,000 holders. The team has also prioritized safety by completing a full independent audit with Halborn Security. This combination of working technology and a discounted entry price is exactly what is drawing the attention of former XRP whales.

The Contrast: MUTM vs XRP

The choice between XRP and MUTM comes down to where an asset sits in its life cycle. XRP is in a zone of saturated liquidity. This means its price movements are slower and more tied to global macro trends. 

MUTM sits in the early utility zone. Its current valuation does not yet reflect the full potential of its lending protocol. In this stage, every technical milestone can lead to a significant repricing. While XRP investors are waiting for small percentage gains, MUTM participants are looking at a confirmed launch price of $0.06, which is already a 50% jump from the current Phase 7 level. 

To see the difference in potential, let’s look at a $1,000 allocation in both assets. A $1,000 investment in XRP at $1.80 would buy roughly 555 tokens. If XRP reaches the bullish analyst target of $2.50, that position would be worth $1,387, providing a profit of $387.

A $1,000 investment in MUTM at the Phase 7 price of $0.04 would buy 25,000 tokens. As long as the post-launch target of $0.25 is hit according to many experts, that same position would be worth over $4,500. If the token follows analyst predictions and reaches $0.30 later in 2026 as the protocol scales, that $1,000 could turn into $7,500.

Presale Acceleration in Phase 7

The momentum behind MUTM is driven by real technical progress. The V1 protocol is already live on the Sepolia testnet, allowing users to test the lending pools and mtToken growth. The roadmap also includes plans for an over-collateralized stablecoin and integration with Chainlink oracles for precise price data. 

By moving through a testnet-to-mainnet sequence, the team is proving the technology works before the public launch. This “utility repricing” is a powerful force that often sends new assets much higher once the full platform goes live.

The window to join the Mutuum ecosystem is narrowing. Phase 7 is selling out quickly, with over 840 million tokens already sold out of the 1.82 billion allocated for the presale. Recent blockchain data shows an increase in “whale entries,” where large wallets are absorbing the remaining supply. These major investors are likely trying to secure the $0.04 rate before the next crypto phase introduces another price increase.

For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below:

Website: https://www.mutuum.com

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance