The XRP ecosystem is witnessing a powerful shift as large-scale investors—commonly known as crypto whales—begin a strategic accumulation of the asset. With over 300,000 wallets now holding at least 10,000 XRP, market sentiment is turning increasingly bullish. This growing concentration of holdings signals rising confidence and could foreshadow a significant price breakout in the near future.
Growing Whale Confidence in XRP
In a recent analysis shared on social media, crypto analyst Kyle highlighted a pivotal milestone: more than 300,000 addresses now hold 10,000 or more XRP. This threshold is often used as an indicator of serious investor interest, as smaller retail traders typically don’t maintain such volumes. The surge in these addresses suggests that institutional-grade and high-net-worth investors are quietly building positions.
Kyle emphasized that this isn't just passive ownership—it appears to be a strategic accumulation phase. Such phases often precede major price movements, especially when large players anticipate upcoming catalysts. He speculated that whales may be positioning themselves ahead of potential game-changing developments in the XRP space.
👉 Discover how smart money moves ahead of major market shifts
Potential Catalysts Driving the Surge
Two key events could serve as major catalysts for XRP’s next leg up: the possible approval of an XRP ETF and the final resolution of the Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit.
XRP ETF: A 90% Chance of Approval?
Market analysts are growing increasingly optimistic about the chances of an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) being approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Current estimates suggest a 90% probability of approval within 2025. If realized, this would mark a watershed moment for XRP, placing it alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum as one of the few cryptocurrencies with a regulated ETF.
An approved ETF would open the floodgates to institutional capital, pension funds, and traditional investors who prefer regulated investment vehicles. The influx of new capital could dramatically increase demand, putting upward pressure on XRP’s price.
Ripple vs. SEC: The Final Chapter
The long-standing legal battle between Ripple Labs and the SEC has dominated XRP discourse for years. While the two parties have reportedly reached a settlement agreement, the court has yet to formally approve it. Once finalized, this resolution will bring much-needed regulatory clarity to XRP’s status in the U.S.
Legal certainty often acts as a powerful market trigger. For XRP, a favorable conclusion could remove lingering overhangs that have dampened investor enthusiasm, paving the way for broader adoption and increased trading volume.
On-Chain Data Confirms Bullish Momentum
Beyond speculation, on-chain metrics are providing concrete evidence of strong buying pressure.
Renowned crypto analyst Ali Martinez reported that wallets holding between 10 million and 100 million XRP have collectively acquired approximately 900 million XRP in just the past month. This level of accumulation by ultra-large holders is rarely seen without intent—these are not casual buys but calculated moves by entities with deep market insight.
Such accumulation often occurs when whales believe an asset is undervalued or on the cusp of a major development. Given the timing—amid ETF rumors and lawsuit resolution talks—the timing suggests these investors are positioning for a breakout.
Additionally, Martinez noted that 71.54% of traders on Binance Futures with open XRP positions are currently betting on price increases. This level of bullish sentiment among active traders reinforces the idea that momentum is building.
👉 See real-time market sentiment and trader positioning data
Technical Outlook: Is XRP Preparing for a Five-Wave Rally?
Crypto analyst Dark Defender has offered a compelling technical forecast for XRP’s price trajectory. According to his analysis, the altcoin recently tested resistance between $2.20 and $2.36, pulled back to $2.13, and is now consolidating—a pattern commonly seen before strong upward moves.
He believes XRP is finishing its correction phase and entering the final stage before a significant rally. His model predicts a five-wave impulse move, a common structure in Elliott Wave theory that often follows extended consolidation periods.
Here’s how the projected rally could unfold:
- Wave 1: Break above resistance toward $3.00
- Wave 3: Strong acceleration to $4.40—a new all-time high
- Wave 5: Final surge targeting $6.30
If this scenario plays out, XRP would not only surpass its previous highs but also enter uncharted territory, potentially attracting even more institutional interest.
However, Dark Defender also warned of a key support level at $1.88. A sustained drop below this point could invalidate the bullish thesis and signal further downside risk.
At the time of writing, XRP is trading around $2.12, down approximately 2% over the past 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does it mean when wallets hold over 10,000 XRP?
A: Wallets holding 10,000+ XRP are typically associated with serious investors or early adopters. A growing number of such addresses indicates increasing confidence and long-term commitment to the asset.
Q: How likely is an XRP ETF to be approved?
A: Analysts estimate a 90% chance of SEC approval in 2025. While not guaranteed, this high probability reflects shifting regulatory sentiment and Ripple’s progress in court.
Q: What happens if the Ripple vs. SEC case concludes favorably?
A: A favorable ruling would confirm that XRP is not a security under U.S. law, removing legal uncertainty and potentially unlocking access to U.S.-based exchanges, financial institutions, and investment products.
Q: Can whale accumulation really influence price?
A: Yes. When large holders accumulate significant volumes, it reduces circulating supply and often precedes strong price rallies, especially when combined with positive market catalysts.
Q: What is the significance of a five-wave rally pattern?
A: In technical analysis, a five-wave impulse pattern suggests strong directional momentum after consolidation. If valid, it implies XRP could see multi-stage price growth over several months.
Q: Where can I track real-time whale activity and sentiment?
A: On-chain analytics platforms and derivatives data from major exchanges can provide insights into whale movements and trader positioning.
👉 Access advanced trading tools and real-time analytics
Final Thoughts
The confluence of on-chain accumulation, rising whale activity, potential ETF approval, and an impending legal resolution paints a promising picture for XRP’s future. While short-term price action remains range-bound near $2.12, the underlying fundamentals suggest that a breakout may be imminent.
Investors should monitor key levels closely—$2.36 as resistance** and **$1.88 as critical support—while staying informed about regulatory developments. With strategic accumulation underway and market sentiment tilting bullish, XRP appears to be positioning itself for what could be one of its most significant chapters yet.
Keywords: XRP price prediction, XRP ETF 2025, Ripple SEC lawsuit update, XRP whale accumulation, crypto whale activity, XRP technical analysis, Binance futures sentiment