XRP is on the radar again — this time not due to courtroom drama or sudden price spikes, but because whale wallets have quietly surged past 300,000, marking a key milestone that analysts say could signal a major breakout.
Whale Wallets Cross 300K: Confidence Builds
According to recent on-chain data, the number of wallets holding 10,000+ XRP has surged past 300,000 for the first time. This whale accumulation suggests growing institutional interest, likely driven by expectations of regulatory clarity, ETF approval rumors, and XRP’s strong positioning in the remittance sector.
“This isn’t retail euphoria. This is calculated, strategic positioning by smart money,” said analyst Max Avery.
Another top crypto analyst, Kyledoops, highlighted this increase as a “preparatory phase” before a major upward movement in price. The accumulation also reflects rising confidence in XRP’s long-term potential.
Updated XRP Price and Whale Wallet Growth Table
Date | XRP Price (USD) | Whale Wallets (10K+ XRP) | Whale Growth % |
---|---|---|---|
Jan 1, 2024 | $0.62 | 240,000 | – |
Apr 1, 2024 | $0.98 | 270,000 | +12.5% |
Jan 1, 2025 | $1.60 | 285,000 | +5.5% |
May 7, 2025 | $2.13 | 301,000+ | +5.6% |
Source: crypto.news
This steady growth in high-balance wallets shows how TWAP (Time Weighted Average Price) and VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price) strategies are being used to avoid alerting markets — a move typical of institutional buyers.
ETF Speculation Fueling the Fire
The surge comes amid speculation of a spot XRP ETF approval, which could inject fresh liquidity into the market. XRP is one of the few top assets still waiting for a U.S.-approved ETF, making it a prime candidate for a post-approval price surge.
“XRP’s calm may be deceptive. ETFs will flip the script,” said a tweet by @DarkDefender.
XRP vs. Ethereum and Bitcoin in 2025 (YTD Performance)
Asset | Jan 2025 Price | May 2025 Price | YTD Gain % |
---|---|---|---|
XRP | $1.60 | $2.13 | +33.13% |
Bitcoin | $45,200 | $53,500 | +18.37% |
Ethereum | $3,350 | $3,890 | +16.17% |
XRP has outpaced Bitcoin and Ethereum so far in 2025.
Technical Outlook: Breakout Levels to Watch
Technical analyst Dark Defender predicts that XRP could soon hit:
$3.00 (Short-term resistance)
$4.40 (Mid-range bullish target)
$6.30 (Wave-3 long-term breakout)
Key support to hold: $1.88
The RSI remains neutral, allowing further upside before entering overbought territory.
Smart Money Strategies: Why Institutions Prefer Stealth Accumulation
Unlike retail traders chasing price spikes, institutional players deploy TWAP and VWAP algorithms to discreetly accumulate XRP without triggering volatility. This explains the low volatility despite large inflows—whales are deliberately masking their tracks. These algorithms slice large buys into smaller, timed orders, executed across multiple venues.
The goal? Avoid price slippage and front-running bots. This strategic accumulation indicates long-term positioning, not short-term speculation. As these wallets grow, it reflects quiet conviction—often a precursor to major price shifts. If history repeats, such stealthy behavior usually precedes strong bullish moves in high-cap tokens like XRP.
Risk vs. Reward: What Could Derail the XRP Rally?
While bullish momentum is building, regulatory uncertainty remains a key risk. Despite rumors, an XRP ETF is not yet guaranteed. A delay or rejection from the SEC could temporarily stall price growth. Additionally, macro factors like Fed decisions or sudden Bitcoin corrections may trigger temporary pullbacks.
XRP’s performance is also sensitive to Ripple’s ongoing ecosystem expansion—any disruptions there may curb sentiment. Still, with rising whale support, strong technicals, and favorable market conditions, the risk-reward ratio remains attractive. Traders should watch $1.88 as the key support—a breakdown there could shift the momentum narrative.
Investment Inflows Support Bullish Sentiment
According to CoinShares data, XRP-based investment products attracted $37.7 million in inflows in Q1 2025, making it one of the top five altcoins by institutional interest.
This capital influx confirms the bullish sentiment, as large investors reposition portfolios to capitalize on potential regulatory greenlights.
Final Thoughts: A Quiet Storm Brewing?
While XRP remains range-bound in the $2.10–$2.20 zone, the on-chain signals, rising whale activity, and institutional inflows are all flashing green lights for a potential breakout. The calm could soon give way to an explosive move — especially if the ETF gets the nod.
“All eyes are on the SEC. If approval lands, XRP could rewrite the script for altcoins in 2025,” said analyst James P.
FAQs
What does the increase in whale wallets mean for XRP?
It shows rising institutional confidence, suggesting a potential price surge ahead as smart money accumulates XRP discreetly.
What is the current XRP price?
As of May 7, 2025, XRP is trading around $2.13.
Could XRP reach $6.30 this year?
According to analysts like Dark Defender, yes, provided technical levels hold and regulatory catalysts (like an ETF approval) align.
Glossary
Whale Wallet: A crypto wallet holding a large amount of a specific asset (10,000+ XRP in this context).
TWAP/VWAP: Institutional trading strategies to avoid large market movements.
ETF: Exchange-Traded Fund, a regulated investment vehicle that tracks the value of an asset.
RSI: Relative Strength Index, used to identify overbought or oversold conditions.\