With DTCC tokenization looming, how high can Stellar (XLM) rise?

Stellar is back in the spotlight: DTCC tokenization project may reshape the institutional asset flow landscape

A major development has brought Stellar back into focus that could change the way institutional assets flow between blockchain networks. The latest catalyst is the American Depository, Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) tokenization project, which has entered its first real-time phase. This timetable has sparked a new round of discussions about the price potential of XLM (Stellar Coin). YouTube analyst BE CRYSTPTO SMART studied how the Stellar Chain might benefit as the project gradually expands over the next 12 months. The core of the discussion is whether one of the world\'s largest financial market infrastructure providers can ultimately create substantial demand for XLM when contemporary monetized securities begin to be settled through the Stellar Network.

The DTCC project draws a multi-stage institutional timeline for the star chain

BE CRYSTPTO SMART first pointed out that DTCC\'s tokenization project is no longer a distant idea, and the project has been officially launched. The first important milestone occurred on May 27, 2026, when DTCC announced that its tokenized service would connect to the Stellar Network. XLM was identified as a settlement token after the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) issued a no-objection letter approving DTC (Depository Trust Company) to tokenize specific assets. These assets include Russell 1000 index stocks, major ETFs and U.S. Treasuries.

July 2026 marks the beginning of the first limited production phase. This is no longer a proof of concept. Real assets and real settlements are taking place in a regulated environment, but the participants are still controlled. Another important milestone is set for October 2026, when DTCC plans to expand its services to more participants and greater transaction volume. The final phase is expected to be in the first half of 2027, when tokenized assets will be available directly on Stellar Network. This stage may make XLM\'s clearing role more prominent than it is now.

Even if XLM prices do not immediately follow suit, Stellar Network may still benefit

One of the most powerful parts of BE CRYSTPTO\'s SMART analysis is the discussion between value flowing through the stellar network and value flowing directly into XLM prices. DTCC reportedly holds approximately US$114 trillion in assets in custody. Even if a very small part of it is tokenized, the scale of activities represented will far exceed the current volume of the Stellar Network. Based on the video, Crypto.News also pointed out that there is no complete direct correlation between settlement activity and XLM prices. Every transaction on the Stellar Network consumes a small amount of XLM as a handling fee, which creates real demand for tokens. XLM may also serve as a bridging asset in certain cross-border settlements. But this does not automatically mean that every increase in settlement volume brings an equal increase in XLM\'s market value. Institutions may only need a relatively small XLM balance to pay for network fees. Once on-chain activity begins to increase, the final result will largely depend on the development of the settlement process. BE CRYSTPTO SMART believes that understanding this difference helps form a more balanced investment judgment, because infrastructure growth and token prices do not always move in sync.

XLM price scenario depends on DTCC project progress

After discussing the fundamentals, BE CRYSTPTO SMART outlined several price scenarios based on historical levels and analyst forecasts rather than optimistic assumptions. The first scenario simply restores XLM to about $0.52, a level reached in 2025. Since the Stellar Chain has hit this price before, analysts believe it is a realistic benchmark rather than a radical forecast. The second scenario examines whether XLM can reach $1. BE CRYSTPTO SMART pointed out that this goal is supported by recent forecasts from Crypto.News, which predicts bullish valuations at the end of 2026 will be between $1.20 and $2.50 if institutional adoption continues to expand and the broader cryptocurrency market environment remains favorable. The most optimistic scenario is for XLM to reach $2.50. This outlook assumes that the cryptocurrency bull market continues, while DTCC\'s broader projects are successfully advanced in October 2026 and the full integration of the star chain is expected to be achieved in the first half of 2027. The analysis also includes a bearish possibility. If institutional use grows slowly, the broader crypto market remains weak, or token demand develops slower than expected, XLM prices may remain close to the current level of $0.18 for most of 2026, despite advancing infrastructure.

BE CRYSTPTO SMART\'s discussions can be summarized into four main outcomes: Historical recovery: If XLM returns to pre-cycle highs, it will hit around $0.52 again. Bullish institutional scenario: If adoption accelerates and market conditions improve, XLM will hit about $1. Strong bull market scenario: If the DTCC project is successful and institutional demand continues to expand in 2027, XLM will climb to around $2.50. Conservative scenario: If early settlement activity generates only moderate token demand, XLM will remain near current levels.

XLM prices hold long-term support amid recent weakness

Recent price movements paint a more cautious picture in the short term. XLM is down nearly 18% from its peak around $0.23 in late June and is currently trading near the important $0.18 support level. A look at the XLM chart reveals that buyers are still defending the area, although the token is still below several short-and medium-term moving averages. Momentum indicators remain mixed. The daily RSI (Relative Strength Index) is around 46, indicating that market conditions are balanced rather than overbought or oversold. The MACD (moving average of similarities and differences) has begun to improve slightly, but confirmation signs of a stronger recovery have not yet emerged.

Technical analysis currently points to three possible paths over the next month. The most likely outcome is that if Bitcoin remains stable and XLM continues to hold long-term support, the Stellar Chain will trade between approximately $0.17 and $0.22. A stronger recovery would require XLM to recover $0.20 and eventually challenge resistance near $0.23. If the broader crypto market continues to strengthen, it could open the door to hitting the psychological threshold of $0.30. The bearish scenario starts with XLM closing clearly below $0.17. This break could expose the token to the US$0.14 to US$0.16 area, and if selling pressure becomes stronger, US$0.10 remains the next major psychological level.

Current technical signals point to these possible outcomes: Benchmark scenario: XLM will trade between US$0.17 and US$0.22 in the next few weeks. Bullish scenario: A breakthrough of $0.20 may cause the token to test $0.23 again, and then attention turns to $0.30. Bear scenario: A loss in the US$0.17 support could increase the possibility of a decline towards US$0.14 to US$0.16, with US$0.10 still being a deeper decline.

FAQs

How does the chain of stars work? Stellar Chain is a decentralized blockchain network specifically designed to send, trade and exchange currencies as fast and cost-effectively as sending email. It connects different global currency and financial institutions, allowing users to send international remittances with near-instant settlement and low transaction fees.

Can XLM reach US$5? Yes, it is theoretically possible for XLM to reach $5, but market analysts believe that unless there is a huge shift in the token economy model, the probability is extremely low.