The XRP market has recently experienced a dramatic upward surge, with the cryptocurrency climbing approximately 69% in value. This impressive rally follows compelling on-chain data revealing that whale investors—large-scale holders—are aggressively accumulating the asset. According to analytics firm Santiment, over 679.1 million XRP tokens have been net acquired by whale wallets in just the past three weeks, amounting to roughly $1.65 billion at current market prices.
This surge in institutional and high-net-worth investor activity has not only fueled price momentum but also reignited broader market confidence in XRP’s long-term potential.
👉 Discover how smart money is shaping the next phase of XRP’s rally
Understanding Whale Activity Through Supply Distribution
A key metric behind this analysis is supply distribution, an on-chain indicator that tracks how token holdings are spread across different wallet balance tiers. By analyzing which groups are increasing or decreasing their holdings, analysts can infer market sentiment and identify accumulation or distribution phases.
In this case, Santiment focused on wallets holding between 1 million and 10 million XRP—a range representing smaller-tier whales. While not the largest players in the ecosystem, these investors still command significant capital, with balances ranging from $2.39 million to $23.9 million (based on current valuations).
Only well-funded entities can operate within this bracket, making their behavior a strong signal of market direction. When this group begins consistently buying more tokens, it often precedes broader upward price movement.
The data shows a clear trend: since early November 2025, the supply held by these whale-tier addresses has risen sharply. The net addition of 679.1 million XRP over three weeks suggests sustained, coordinated accumulation—far beyond what random trading activity would produce.
Why Whale Accumulation Matters
Whales don’t buy impulsively. Their purchases are typically strategic, informed by deep research, macroeconomic signals, and long-term positioning. When such investors begin accumulating en masse, it often indicates:
- Confidence in upcoming developments
- Anticipation of positive regulatory or market catalysts
- Belief in undervaluation relative to fundamentals
In XRP’s case, several factors may be driving this confidence:
- Ongoing progress in Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC
- Expanding use of RippleNet and On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) in cross-border payments
- Growing adoption among financial institutions in emerging markets
With whales absorbing large volumes of available supply, less XRP remains in circulation for public trading—a classic supply squeeze that can amplify price gains when demand increases.
Retail Investors Join the Momentum
While whales lead the charge, they’re not alone. Alongside the surge in whale holdings, the total number of non-zero XRP addresses has crossed a historic milestone: over 5.5 million.
This represents an increase of 119,820 new holders during the same three-week period, signaling strong retail participation. When both whales and retail investors move in tandem, it creates a powerful bullish alignment.
Retail adoption is particularly significant because it reflects growing public trust and awareness. More users mean greater network resilience, increased transaction volume, and stronger long-term sustainability.
👉 See how retail and institutional investors are aligning on XRP’s future
Breaking Down the Price Surge
XRP’s 69% price increase places it among the top-performing digital assets in recent months. While crypto markets are inherently volatile, such a sharp rise backed by solid on-chain fundamentals suggests more than just speculative hype.
Key drivers behind the rally include:
- Reduced sell pressure: With whales holding more XRP off exchanges, selling pressure diminishes.
- Increased utility: Ripple continues to expand partnerships with banks and payment providers globally.
- Market sentiment shift: Positive regulatory signals have improved investor perception.
Additionally, technical indicators support continued upside potential. On weekly charts, XRP has broken out of a prolonged consolidation phase, with rising volume confirming the strength of the move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a "whale" in cryptocurrency?
A whale refers to an individual or entity that holds a large amount of a particular cryptocurrency. Due to their size, their transactions can influence market prices and trends.
How does supply distribution affect price?
When large holders accumulate tokens, less supply is available on exchanges for public trading. This scarcity can drive prices up if demand remains steady or increases.
Is XRP a good investment right now?
While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, current on-chain data shows strong accumulation by informed investors. Combined with real-world use cases and growing adoption, XRP presents a compelling case for long-term investors.
What does crossing 5.5 million active addresses mean for XRP?
Reaching over 5.5 million non-zero addresses reflects growing network engagement and user confidence. It’s a sign of organic growth and increasing utility.
Could XRP reach new all-time highs?
Given current momentum, reduced circulating supply, and expanding institutional interest, many analysts believe XRP has the potential to challenge previous highs—if broader market conditions remain favorable.
How reliable is Santiment's data?
Santiment is a well-respected on-chain analytics platform used by traders and institutions worldwide. Its data is derived from public blockchain records, making it transparent and verifiable.
The Road Ahead for XRP
The combination of whale accumulation, rising retail adoption, and strengthening fundamentals paints an optimistic picture for XRP’s trajectory through 2025 and beyond.
As global payments continue shifting toward faster, cheaper blockchain-based solutions, Ripple’s technology remains uniquely positioned to capture value in international remittances and financial infrastructure.
Moreover, any favorable resolution in the SEC lawsuit could act as a major catalyst, unlocking further institutional investment and exchange listings.
Investors should watch key metrics closely:
- Whale wallet activity
- Exchange inflows/outflows
- On-chain transaction volume
- Number of active addresses
These indicators will help determine whether the current rally is sustainable or part of a broader cyclical uptrend.
👉 Stay ahead of the curve with real-time insights on XRP’s market movement
Final Thoughts
XRP’s recent 69% surge is not merely a price spike—it's a reflection of shifting market dynamics driven by smart money and growing community support. With whales absorbing over $1.65 billion worth of tokens and retail participation hitting record levels, the ecosystem is showing signs of robust health.
For those monitoring digital asset trends, XRP stands out as a prime example of how on-chain data can reveal early signals of major market moves. Whether you're a long-term believer or a tactical trader, understanding whale behavior and supply distribution offers valuable insight into where the market may head next.
As always, conduct thorough research and consider risk management strategies before investing. But one thing is clear: XRP is back in the spotlight—and this time, it’s backed by data.