Home Blog Page 146

US Military General Highlights Bitcoin Role in National Security

Lele Jima
-
0
US Military General Highlights Bitcoin Role in National Security

A top U.S. military officer has positioned Bitcoin as more than a financial asset, describing it as a powerful computer science system with direct military and cybersecurity relevance.

Notably, U.S. Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), made this case during testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. His commentary highlighted Bitcoin’s technical architecture as a strategic tool within modern defense frameworks.

Key Points

  • U.S. Admiral Samuel Paparo describes Bitcoin as a computer science system with clear military and cybersecurity relevance.
  • He argues that Bitcoin’s Proof of Work mechanism enhances network security beyond conventional algorithmic defenses.
  • This perspective goes beyond primarily framing Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset.
  • Paparo also confirmed that the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) is already operating a Bitcoin node.

Bitcoin Military Relevance

Notably, Paparo’s remarks shift how U.S. defense leadership evaluates Bitcoin. Rather than treating it as an investment asset, he sees it as a robust system with tangible military applications.

At the core of his argument is Bitcoin’s architecture, which combines cryptography, blockchain technology, and proof-of-work consensus. According to him, this structure introduces a cost-based security model that strengthens network integrity beyond traditional algorithmic protections.

Moreover, he highlighted Bitcoin’s peer-to-peer, zero-trust design. The system aligns closely with modern cybersecurity principles, where reducing reliance on centralized intermediaries helps minimize vulnerabilities. In turn, such architecture could enhance resilience in military operations.

BTC as a Tool for Power Projection

Further, Paparo framed Bitcoin as a tool for power projection, suggesting it could play a role in advancing national security strategy. Meanwhile, he clearly separated Bitcoin’s technological value from its economic narrative.

While he acknowledged Bitcoin’s role as a digital currency, he placed greater emphasis on its cybersecurity and defense applications. In his view, any technology that strengthens the instruments of national power is valuable.

Notably, this perspective differs from how many U.S. government officials have recently described Bitcoin. For instance, Donald Trump and other stakeholders have often framed it as a potential reserve asset.

However, Paparo’s comments suggest that Bitcoin’s relevance extends far beyond finance into the realm of military capability.

US Military Runs Dedicated Bitcoin Node

Following his testimony, Paparo further revealed that the U.S. military is already engaging directly with the network. He confirmed that a node is currently running under the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, providing an opportunity to test how the Bitcoin protocol can help secure and protect critical systems.

The command’s node operation indicates active participation in the Bitcoin network, positioning it as a direct contributor rather than a passive observer.

XRP Monthly EMA and Elliot Wave Setup Target $15-$31

Mark Brennan
-
0
XRP Monthly EMA and Elliot Wave Setup Target $15-$31

XRP targets unprecedented prices, spurred by the combination of strength around a key support and an Elliott Wave formation on the monthly chart.

Notably, XRP is showing signs of structural stability on higher timeframes, with the monthly chart highlighting a shift in momentum as the price continues to hold above a critical moving average. The current setup suggests that the asset may be transitioning away from prolonged consolidation into a more directional phase.

Key Points

  • XRP is showing signs of structural stability, with the monthly chart highlighting a shift in momentum as price continues to hold above a critical moving average.
  • XRP remains supported by the 50-period EMA on the monthly timeframe, currently at $1.33.
  • Price briefly dropped toward the 100 EMA before reversing in the previous cycle, but it looks very unlikely due to the maturing market and fading selling pressure.
  • A broader channel on the chart indicates that XRP continues to respect its long-term upward trajectory within an ascending channel.
  • The current structure aligns with the early stages of a third wave in an Elliott Wave pattern, targeting $15.

XRP Holds Key Support Area

Market technician EGRAG Crypto highlighted a power setup on the monthly chart, one that would spark a price surge to new highs for XRP. He shared a chart showing the combination of a crucial EMA and wave structure formation for this bullish pattern.

XRP 50 EMA and Elliott Wave Setup/EGRAG Crypto
XRP 50 EMA and Elliott Wave Setup/EGRAG Crypto

On the chart, XRP remains supported by the 50-period exponential moving average (EMA) on the monthly timeframe. Currently at $1.33, this dynamic trendline has acted as a base during the recent downtrend, preventing deeper downside in March when XRP looked very weak.

XRP bounced off this EMA earlier in April, joining a broader market recovery attempt. With selling pressure fading and the asset’s price structure strengthening. EGRAG suggests this could be the base for XRP.

In the previous cycle, the price briefly dropped toward the 100 EMA before reversing, presenting what turned out to be a final accumulation opportunity. This time, however, the structure appears more resilient, with no clear signs of a similar deep retracement so far.

The analyst noted that the market is maturing, reducing the prospect of weaker dumps. As such, he sees a 100 EMA wick as a “rare opportunity,” suggesting it is highly unlikely.

XRP Still in Long-Term Ascending Channel

Meanwhile, a broader channel visible on the chart indicates that XRP continues to respect its long-term upward trajectory within an ascending channel. The asset entered the current wedge in July 2022.

Notably, the price action has been compressing within this structure while consistently holding above key support levels. This type of trend often reflects a market slowly grinding higher despite periods of uncertainty.

The recent dip has brought XRP close to the channel’s lower support. EGRAG expects strong demand around this zone and the 50-month EMA to provide the strength needed for a sustained recovery.

XRP and Elliott Wave 3 Outlook

The analysis also highlighted that the current structure aligns with the early stages of a third wave in an Elliott Wave pattern. The chart outlines an initial breakout phase in wave 1, followed by a corrective period in wave 2.

Currently, XRP is attempting to enter the price expansion phase in wave 3. Historically, this phase tends to carry the strongest momentum for an Elliot Wave pattern. Bullish alignment with the EMA support further strengthens its rally prospects.

Projected levels on the chart place potential upside targets significantly higher if this wave develops fully, with Fibonacci extensions marking zones well above previous highs. Wave 3 targets the 1.414 Fib level at $15, while the completion of the five-wave pattern could take XRP to $31.

Ripple RLUSD Stablecoin Bridge Expansion Links XRP, Cardano, Ethereum, and Wanchain

Lele Jima
-
0
Ripple RLUSD Stablecoin Bridge Expansion Links XRP, Cardano, Ethereum, and Wanchain

Wanchain has integrated Ripple stablecoin, RLUSD, into its cross-chain bridge, expanding connectivity beyond the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and Ethereum. 

Specifically, Wanchain now enables RLUSD to move seamlessly across additional networks, including Cardano. This upgrade strengthens the stablecoin’s utility and positions it as a more versatile asset within the multi-chain landscape.

Key Points

  • Wanchain integrates RLUSD into its cross-chain bridge, expanding its reach beyond XRPL and Ethereum.
  • The integration allows RLUSD to move across XRPL, Cardano, Ethereum, Wanchain, and several other routes.
  • Ripple is currently making moves to expand RLUSD access to more networks, with mainnet deployment on Ethereum L2 networks like Optimism expected this year.
  • RLUSD currently holds a $1.6 billion market cap, with trading volume surging over 91% in 24 hours to $80.45 million.

Wanchain Expands RLUSD Availability Beyond XRPL and Ethereum

In a tweet, Wanchain announced adding RLUSD to its bridge infrastructure, enabling smooth two-way transfers across multiple blockchains.

Consequently, users can now move RLUSD between the XRP Ledger and Cardano, XRPL and Wanchain, Ethereum and Cardano, Ethereum and Wanchain, Wanchain and Cardano, as well as XRPL and Ethereum. This expanded routing significantly enhances the token’s cross-chain accessibility.

Moreover, the integration highlights ongoing efforts toward a multi-chain financial system. Instead of operating in the Ethereum and XRPL ecosystems alone, RLUSD now circulates across interconnected platforms, improving liquidity flow and user flexibility.

Ripple Plans RLUSD Debut on Multiple Blockchains

Meanwhile, the move aligns with Ripple’s strategy to extend RLUSD’s reach beyond its native ecosystems. That vision gained traction in December when Ripple partnered with Wormhole, leveraging its NTT token standard to expand the stablecoin to Ethereum Layer-2 networks, including Optimism and Base.

While testing remains ongoing, Ripple plans a full mainnet rollout once it secures the necessary regulatory approvals. Now, with Wanchain’s integration, RLUSD’s accessibility has widened further to include Cardano and Wanchain’s own network.

RLUSD Volume Spikes 91%

Since its launch in December 2024, RLUSD has rapidly gained traction in the crypto market. It has secured listings on major exchanges, including Binance, Bitget, Kraken, HashKey, and Coinone.

Currently, RLUSD has a market cap of $1.6 billion, ranking it as the 44th-largest token globally and the eighth-largest stablecoin. In addition, its trading activity has surged, with volume jumping over 91% in the past 24 hours to reach $80.45 million—an indication of rising demand and market engagement.

Data Shows Retail Likely Supports 40-60% of XRP Price Floor

Mark Brennan
-
0
Data Shows Retail Likely Supports 40-60% of XRP Price Floor

Data suggests retail investors likely support 40-60% of the XRP price floor by holding onto their tokens and refusing to sell.

A well-known XRP community figure and music artist, MC Solar Wind (MCSW), recently assessed how much retail investors support XRP’s current price level. He estimated that individual holders likely account for about 40% to 60% of the asset’s price floor.

Key Points

  • Retail investors likely support 40-60% of XRP’s effective price floor through holding behavior.
  • Around 16 billion XRP sits on exchanges, representing 26% of the 61.68 billion circulating supply.
  • Of 7.8 million activated wallets, 82% hold 500 XRP or less, confirming the dominance of retail investors.
  • Community narrative and belief influence whether supply stays locked or returns to market, affecting XRP’s price floor.

XRP On-chain Data Confirms Retail Influence

MCSW noted that XRP is currently in a specific phase. As part of his assessment, he estimated that around 15% to 20% of the total supply sits on exchanges, mostly involving retail deposits. 

He also pointed out that ETF exposure remains small, at roughly 1% of total supply, and noted that these products are still largely made up of non-institutional participants. In addition, he highlighted that the network has between 7 million and 8 million activated wallets, many of which belong to smaller holders.

Actual on-chain data confirms these claims. Specifically, exchange balances show that about 16 billion XRP is currently held on trading platforms. This represents nearly 26% of the circulating supply, which stands at 61.68 billion tokens.

Additionally, across six ETF products, total holdings amount to approximately $1.1 billion worth of XRP. This equals roughly 1.2% of the asset’s total market capitalization. This confirms that institutional exposure through ETFs remains relatively small compared to the broader market.

The XRP Ledger currently has about 7.8 million activated wallets. Out of these, roughly 6.4 million wallets, or 82%, hold 500 XRP or less. Meanwhile, there have been multiple transfers to self-custody and a growing number of long-term holders. While this does not directly push prices higher, it helps limit downside pressure.

Retail Supports 40-60% of XRP Price Floor

Considering these estimates, MCSW concluded that retail investors likely support 40% to 60% of XRP’s price floor. He clarified that this support comes mainly from holding, not from continuous buying. When a large number of holders choose not to sell, it reduces available supply and strengthens price stability.

XRP Market Structure MC Solar Wind
XRP Market Structure | MC Solar Wind

He also noted that price still moves based on activity at the margins. Specifically, market makers, large investors, and ETF inflows have continued to influence short-term price changes. 

However, when a large portion of the supply remains inactive, this changes the structure of the market. MCSW stressed that XRP currently represents a market where price movement at the edges is relatively thin, while a strong base supply remains locked, which shows retail influence.

How Community Narratives Influence Investor Sentiment

MCSW also discussed how community narratives have determined price behavior over time. He called attention to “riddle” discussions from community figures. According to him, these ideas and interpretations have acted as a kind of cultural link within the XRP community.

He explained that not everyone takes these narratives literally, but they have helped maintain attention and belief. Over time, this has influenced whether people continue holding their XRP or decide to sell. 

Speaking further, MCSW compared XRP with other major crypto assets. He said Bitcoin and Ethereum have mostly moved into a stage where institutions dominate. In those markets, ETFs, staking, and corporate investments now mostly influence price movement, even though retail investors built the early base.

On the other hand, assets like Solana and Binance Coin still rely on retail activity. However, the activity comes more from usage, such as DeFi, meme trends, and growing ecosystems, instead of simple long-term holding. 

XRP In a Transition Phase

MCSW said XRP sits between these two ends. Notably, retail holding still plays an important part, but the asset is moving toward a future where institutional use could take over.

The community figure said XRP currently lies within a bridge phase. Specifically, retail investors still hold a large share of the supply, while institutional involvement continues to grow but has not yet become dominant. 

He added that if XRP reaches large-scale adoption, especially in areas like cross-border payments, liquidity demand, and financial integration, the price will eventually depend on real usage instead of belief. In this case, higher price levels, including $20 and beyond, would come from actual demand, not narrative.

Bitcoin Price Analysis: When the Next Period of Major Pullbacks Will Start

Elendu Benedict
-
0
Bitcoin Price Analysis: When the Next Period of Major Pullbacks Will Start

Recent trends show that Bitcoin bulls are slowly gaining control of the market, but there could still be a window in the future where prices look weak again.

For now, the Bitcoin (BTC) price is recovering quite well. After weeks of steep price declines, the premier asset has found support and now appears to be targeting higher levels.

From January highs of $97,900, it dropped 38.5% to $60,130 in February, an area analysts claim may have marked its price bottom. Meanwhile, the coin has rebounded nearly 30% to $78,000, suggesting that market conditions are improving and bearish momentum is weakening.

But would this period of steady Bitcoin price climb stand? For how long before the market sees another pullback?

Key Points

  • Bitcoin bulls may enjoy the good spell in the crypto market for a few more days or weeks before the bearish trend resumes.
  • The next window of weakness for BTC could start between May and June, culminating in a timeline ranging from the next 3 days to 34 days.
  • This aligns with a broader perspective that Bitcoin is in a bear market rather than a period of quick market pullbacks.
  • The early April lows at $65,600 could be either a lower low, as in 2014, or a higher low, as in 2018, but each preceded a steeper decline.
  • Some other analysts disagree, expecting BTC to rally further towards $85,000, then $100,000.

Timeline for Next Bitcoin Pullback

IntoTheCryptoverse founder Benjamin Cowen discussed this topic in his recent X post. He suggested that bulls may enjoy the good spell in the crypto market for a few more days or weeks before the bearish trend resumes.

Specifically, Cowen noted that the next window of weakness for BTC in the midterm could start between May and June. This culminates in a timeline ranging from the next 3 days to 34 days from today, April 27. Still, the analyst emphasized that accurately predicting the exact timing for this momentum shift is very difficult.

Meanwhile, the view aligns with his broader perspective that Bitcoin is in a bear market rather than a period of quick market pullbacks. The midterm market direction remains down until it fully completes its bear trend, according to its historical cyclical construct.

Higher Low or Lower High?

Cowen went on to address the backlash on his earlier predictions for April. Recall that almost a month ago, he claimed that Bitcoin would hit a new low in April, dropping below its February low of $60,000. However, that did not materialize, as the coin has rallied 14% so far and is set for its best monthly performance since April 2025.

Bitcoin 1M Chart
Bitcoin 1M Chart

The founder noted that the early April lows at $65,600 could be either a lower low, as in 2014, or a higher low, as in 2018. In each case, BTC tends to rebound to higher prices, but what matters is what follows the recovery. For context, after over 30% rise in April of 2014 and 2018, the coin dropped back in subsequent months to new lows.

Cowen added that the market does not move in one direction, even in a bear market. There could be countertrend rallies in some cases, but the broader trend remains bearish. Notably, he expects Bitcoin to finally bottom in the last quarter of this year and enter a sustainable price recovery phase, initiating a new expansion period in the next bull market.

Conflicting Views on Bitcoin Trend

However, not every analyst shares this perception. While Cowen expects Bitcoin to start another leg down by May, analyst Michael van de Poppe sees further upside toward $80,000 to $88,000. According to the analyst, this could happen before the end of April.

Interestingly, BTC neared the lower band last week, peaking at $79,500. Its price faced severe rejection and has since fallen to the current price of around $78,000. Nonetheless, it has held above the crucial $73,000 support, keeping hopes of a recovery alive.

Van de Poppe noted that clearing the major resistance at $85,000 paves the way for $100,000, where the next major supply zone lies.

New Academic Research Explains Why XRP Still Moves With Traditional Markets During Crises

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
-
0
New Academic Research Explains Why XRP Still Moves With Traditional Markets During Crises

A new academic study is shedding light on why assets like XRP often fall or rise alongside traditional markets during crises instead of acting independently.

The research finds that, contrary to expectations, cryptocurrencies such as XRP remain largely influenced by traditional financial systems, especially during periods of global stress.

Notably, XRP community figure Eri called attention to the research in a post on X this week.

Key Points

  • New research shows XRP moves with stocks and bonds during crises, not independently as many investors expect.
  • Traditional markets still drive global finance, while XRP and other cryptocurrencies mostly react to their movements.
  • During crises like COVID-19, market influence can shift quickly, making price behavior more volatile and unpredictable.
  • As crypto integrates into global finance, XRP increasingly behaves like a risk asset tied to macroeconomic trends.

XRP Still Follows Traditional Markets

The study analyzed 70 financial time series across seven major asset classes, including cryptocurrencies, commodities, G10 stock indices, government bond yields, foreign exchange markets, credit default swaps (CDS), and technology stocks.

Using daily data from January 1, 2018, to March 24, 2026, the researchers found that traditional markets, particularly stock indices, bond yields, and CDS, remain the main drivers of global financial activity.

Cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and XRP, do not yet lead market direction. Instead, they mostly react to movements in traditional assets, especially during uncertain times.

This explains why XRP often drops when global stocks fall or reacts to macroeconomic events such as interest rate hikes or inflation fears.

Crises Change Everything Quickly

One key finding is that market relationships are not stable. During major global crises, the direction of influence between assets can shift quickly. The study highlights several major events to prove this point:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021)
  • The Russia–Ukraine conflict (from February 2022)
  • Rising Middle East tensions (2026)

During these periods, the flow of information between markets changed significantly. For example, before COVID-19, stock markets mainly influenced other sectors. However, during the pandemic, some influence briefly shifted toward cryptocurrencies.

Data from the study shows that before COVID-19, crypto-to-stock influence was near zero (0.0003). During COVID-19, it turned slightly negative (–0.0008), indicating a shift in the direction of influence.

Why XRP Feels Unpredictable

The research shows that global financial markets are highly interconnected. Events such as inflation, wars, or energy crises create ripple effects across all asset classes, including crypto.

As a result, interest rates, credit risk, and global liquidity affect XRP’s price action. It also reacts to macroeconomic shocks, not just crypto-specific news. Meanwhile, its price behavior becomes more volatile during periods of global uncertainty.

The study also found that bond yields and CDS (credit risk indicators) are among the strongest drivers of market movements. These macro factors often influence stocks first, with crypto following afterward.

Crypto Now Fully Part of the Global Financial System

Another major takeaway is that crypto markets have become more integrated into the global financial system over time, especially after COVID-19.

This increased connection means crypto is no longer isolated. It behaves more like a risk asset, similar to stocks, and cross-market “spillover effects” are now stronger.

Notably, the researchers used advanced methods such as Transfer Entropy and Independent Component Analysis (ICA) to filter out noise and track how information moves between markets. After removing weak or random connections, the results revealed a clearer structure in which traditional finance still dominates.

In Summary

The study concludes that XRP and other cryptocurrencies are still in a follower phase rather than a leading one.

However, this relationship is dynamic. During crises, influence can shift, and crypto can briefly play a larger role. Still, traditional financial markets remain in the driver’s seat overall.

For investors, this means XRP’s price is not driven solely by crypto adoption. It is also closely tied to global economic conditions, policy decisions, and financial stress events.

Ultimately, as the financial system becomes more interconnected, XRP’s future movements may depend just as much on Wall Street and macro trends as on developments within the crypto space.

Market Updates: Saylor Hints at Further Bitcoin Accumulation, Western Union to Launch USDPT Stablecoin in May, TRUMP Memecoin Extends Slide Post Mar-a-Lago Gathering

Zabi
-
0
Market Updates: Saylor Hints at Further Bitcoin Accumulation, Western Union to Launch USDPT Stablecoin in May, TRUMP Memecoin Extends Slide Post Mar-a-Lago Gathering

Latest Market Updates: As of 27th April 2026

Today in crypto, Michael Saylor signaled another potential Bitcoin purchase, which could extend Strategy’s three-week buying streak.

In other developments, Western Union plans to launch its USDPT stablecoin in May, while the TRUMP memecoin continued to decline despite a Mar-a-Lago investor event. Meanwhile, Galaxy Digital’s Mike Novogratz said the U.S. Clarity Act is expected to be finalized in May.

Strategy Signals Potential New Bitcoin Purchase

Michael Saylor, co-founder of Strategy, has hinted that the company may soon add more Bitcoin to its treasury, extending a three-week buying streak.

In a recent post on X, Saylor shared a chart outlining the company’s Bitcoin acquisition history since 2020, during which it has completed 107 purchases. Historically, such posts have often preceded new buying activity.

The signal follows a major acquisition last week, when Strategy purchased 34,164 BTC for over $2.5 billion. This brought its total holdings to 815,061 BTC, currently valued at approximately $63.6 billion.

The company’s average acquisition cost is about $75,528 per Bitcoin. Meanwhile, Bitcoin traded at $77,851, reflecting a 4.4% weekly gain. Consequently, Strategy is currently sitting on unrealized profits of around $2.03 billion.

Looking ahead, Adam Livingston, a Bitcoin advocate and Strategy investor, suggested the company could accumulate as much as 1.2 million BTC by the end of 2026.

Western Union Prepares USDPT Stablecoin Launch

In parallel, Western Union is preparing to launch its USD-backed stablecoin, USDPT, in May 2026.

CEO Devin McGranahan confirmed during the company’s earnings call that the project is in its final stages and nearing deployment. He emphasized that digital assets are becoming a core pillar of Western Union’s long-term strategy.

USDPT will be issued on the Solana blockchain and managed by Anchorage Digital Bank to provide fast, scalable settlement capabilities.

Western Union also plans to integrate the stablecoin into its Digital Asset Network (DAN), enabling users to convert digital dollars into local currencies across more than 360,000 physical locations worldwide. The company expects its first network partner to join within a week.

Additionally, Western Union is developing a stablecoin-linked payment card, further broadening its crypto-enabled financial services ecosystem.

TRUMP Memecoin Extends Decline Despite High-Profile Investor Event

Meanwhile, the TRUMP memecoin remains under pressure, extending its decline despite efforts to boost visibility through high-profile events.

According to CoinGecko data, the token is trading near $2.56, down about 3% over the past day. More notably, it remains over 96% below its peak of $73.43 reached in early 2025.

The latest decline comes even after a private Mar-a-Lago event hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump for 297 of the token’s largest holders. A smaller VIP group of 29 attendees participated in an exclusive reception and champagne toast, according to The Independent.

A similar promotional gathering was held in May 2025 at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia, where 220 top holders were invited. However, neither event has reversed the token’s long-term downward trend.

Mike Novogratz Expects CLARITY Act Progress in May

Alongside these developments, Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital, expressed optimism that the US CLARITY Act could advance in May 2026.

Speaking on a podcast with Anthony Scaramucci, Novogratz said the bill may reach committee review in early May. He added that it could then move to final approval shortly after, with possible enactment by June.

The proposed aims to establish clearer regulatory guidelines for the crypto industry. However, recent delays, including the Senate Banking Committee’s decision not to schedule a markup hearing last week, have raised concerns among market participants.

Despite this setback, Novogratz stressed that the bill retains bipartisan importance. He added that its passage could unlock new opportunities, including tokenizing major companies like SpaceX and Google, potentially broadening global access to such assets.

Robinhood Leads as Data Shows 13B XRP Residing in Exchange Wallets with Destination Tags

Mark Brennan
-
0
Robinhood Leads as Data Shows 13B XRP Residing in Exchange Wallets with Destination Tags

A study reveals that 13 billion XRP sits in exchange accounts using destination tags, with Robinhood holding the largest share.

The study by XRP community researcher ChaCha shows that the tagged balances represent individual user holdings within shared exchange wallets, which reveals how much XRP actually sits in custodial systems.

Key Points

  • Data identifies 13.26 billion XRP in tagged exchange accounts across 41 platforms and over 260 wallets.
  • Robinhood accounts for over 10 billion XRP, dominating tagged balances among exchanges.
  • Tagged XRP represents about 21% of the 61.6 billion XRP circulating supply.
  • Combined holdings in exchange environments exceed 47% of supply when adding 16 billion XRP in primary wallets.
  • Destination tags on the XRP Ledger help exchanges assign funds to individual user accounts.

Over 29B XRP in Exchange Environments

ChaCha shared these findings on X, presenting a summary of exchange and wallet destination data. The report identified 13.26 billion XRP in tagged accounts, in addition to about 16 billion XRP stored in main exchange wallets. Together, this brings the total tracked amount to over 29 billion XRP within exchange environments.

Data shows that the research covers 41 exchanges and tracks more than 260 wallets along with their destination tags. The system also follows over 12,000 rows of point-in-time data every day, which confirms a detailed tracking process.

Robinhood Dominates Tagged XRP Balances

Among all the platforms studied, Robinhood holds the largest share of tagged XRP. The data indicates that destination tags linked to Robinhood accounts make up more than 10 billion XRP, ahead of any other exchange. Interestingly, one of the tagged Robinhood wallets contain 3.65 billion XRP.

This large share shows activity on the platform, either from retail users or institutions. While ChaCha highlighted Robinhood’s lead, the exact purpose of these holdings is still unclear. Some market watchers believe the XRP could serve internal uses such as liquidity, tokenized assets, or future payment systems, instead of being ready for sale.

XRP Balances on Tagged Exchange Wallets
XRP Balances on Tagged Exchange Wallets

Meanwhile, other exchanges like BitFlyer and BitPoint also appear in the data, but their totals are much smaller compared to Robinhood. For instance, the top four tagged accounts from Bitflyer hold a combined 234 million XRP. Overall, the findings suggest that a large amount of XRP is held within centralized platforms instead of private wallets.

Destination Tags on the XRP Ledger

For the uninitiated, destination tags are an important feature of the XRP Ledger. They act as extra identifiers in transactions sent to shared wallet addresses, and help exchanges know which user should receive the funds.

Instead of creating a separate wallet for every user, exchanges use one or a few main addresses and rely on tags to separate balances. This reduces costs, since each wallet requires a minimum XRP reserve. Simply speaking, destination tags work like account numbers in a banking system.

If a transaction is sent without the correct tag, it may be delayed, misdirected, or even lost within the exchange’s system. However, not all XRP accounts need tags. Personal wallets usually do not use them, and some large institutional wallets also hold funds without splitting them into tagged accounts.

Possible Market Implication

The 13.26 billion XRP in tagged accounts equals about 21% of the circulating supply, which stands near 61.6 billion XRP as of April 2026. When combined with the 16 billion XRP in main exchange wallets, more than 47% of the supply appears tied to exchanges or custodial services.

Notably, this shows that a large share of XRP sits under the control of exchanges, which could lead to selling pressure if many users decide to trade or withdraw at once. At the same time, exchanges can handle trades internally, which may limit immediate selling on the public ledger.

Cardano Founder Cuts Ties With Iagon, Warns of Collapse Under Current Leadership as IAG Dips Over 30%

Lele Jima
-
0
Cardano Founder Cuts Ties With Iagon, Warns of Collapse Under Current Leadership as IAG Dips Over 30%

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has publicly distanced himself from decentralized cloud storage project Iagon.

He warned that both the platform and its IAG token could fail if the current leadership stays in charge. His comments came after a tense disagreement over governance votes on proposals from Input Output Global (IOG).

Key Points

  • Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has publicly distanced himself from Iagon, warning that its token could face steep devaluation.
  • The dispute began after Blockfrost integrated with Filecoin to introduce cloud storage capabilities to Cardano.
  • Iagon CEO Navjit Dhaliwal urged DReps to vote against IOG’s treasury proposal.
  • Iagon claimed the remarks reflected its CEO’s personal views, but Hoskinson insists the project is unlikely to succeed under its current leadership.
  • The market has already reacted to the tension, with IAG plunging 34% in just two days.

Cardano Founder and Iagon CEO Clash Publicly

The Cardano ecosystem experienced a fresh phase of tension over the weekend as a public clash unfolded between Hoskinson and Navjit Dhaliwal, CEO of Iagon.

According to Hoskinson, the conflict began after Blockfrost integrated with Filecoin to introduce a premium cloud storage tier for Cardano developers. He had strongly supported this initiative, positioning it as a step toward expanding infrastructure options.

However, the move did not sit well with Dhaliwal. Notably, Iagon operates its own decentralized storage and compute marketplace within the Cardano ecosystem. Accordingly, some community members suggested the integration may have intensified competitive tensions.

Hoskinson Severes Ties With Iagon

Hoskinson accused Iagon of voting against IOG-backed proposals not on merit but out of “spite and anger”. He also highlighted how the project publicly pressured Cardano governance ambassadors to discourage participation in voting, particularly in support of IOG’s nine treasury proposals aimed at improving network performance.

Although the Iagon team later clarified that Dhaliwal’s actions were personal, Hoskinson maintained his stance. He formally severed ties with the project and warned that it could collapse and erode the value of token holders’ holdings unless leadership changes. Specifically, he suggested that replacing current leadership could prevent this outcome.

In addition, he reaffirmed his broader strategy. He emphasized support for multiple decentralized infrastructure providers, including decentralized storage networks like Filecoin, to ensure Cardano developers have diverse and reliable options.

IAG Dips Over 34%

Meanwhile, the market quickly reacted to the dispute. IAG, Iagon’s governance token, dropped sharply from about $0.038 to $0.025 within 48 hours, marking a 34% decline.

While it later recovered slightly to $0.02815 at press time, the token remained down 18.26% on the day and 25% over the week.

In addition, trading activity surged. IAG’s volume rose 44% to $14.59 million, with most flows indicating selling pressure, signaling shaken investor confidence following the public fallout.

XRP Adds $900M in Tokenized Assets Within a Day as Total RWA Hits ATH of $3.5B

Sam Wisdom Raphael
-
0
XRP Adds $900M in Tokenized Assets Within a Day as Total RWA Hits ATH of $3.5B

XRP has welcomed an additional $900 million worth of tokenized real-world assets within a day, bringing total assets to the $3.5 billion milestone.

The sudden spike in XRP’s RWA value comes specifically from Justoken’s JMWH product, which recently grew from $861 million in value to $1.76 billion on the XRP Ledger within a day. However, it remains to be seen if the latest dramatic surge reflected actual data or a technical glitch.

Key Points

  • XRP recently added nearly $900 million in tokenized RWA within a day.
  • This dramatic increase came from Justoken’s JMWH product, which grew from $861 million to $1.76 billion on the XRPL.
  • Following the recent surge, the total hosted RWA value on XRP has crossed the $3.5 billion milestone.
  • JMWH remains the largest tokenized product on the XRPL, representing tokenized energy backed by energy firms.
  • For now, it is unclear if the latest spike reflects actual data or a system glitch.

XRP Adds $900M in RWA Within a Day

Data from industry-standard RWA analytics platform RWA.xyz confirmed this sudden spike.

Specifically, as of April 22, the tokenized real-world assets on the XRP Ledger had a total value of $2.616 billion, including $491 million worth of stablecoins, representing a consistent but gradual growth since the start of the year.

However, at press time, this figure has since increased to a whopping $3.53 billion, representing an increase of $895.6 million within a single day. This marks one of the largest single-day surges in the XRP RWA ecosystem, marking a 35% increase in less than 24 hours.

XRP Total RWA Value
XRP Total RWA Value

Justoken’s JMWH Responsible for the Surge

Interestingly, this sudden jump reflects a rise in the value of an existing product, not the addition of a new tokenized product.

Notably, the JMWH product on Justoken was solely responsible for this surge, with its on-chain value rising from $861 million to $1.763 billion at press time.

For the uninitiated, JMWH is a digital energy token developed by Justoken, a tokenization company based in Buenos Aires.

Each token represents one real megawatt-hour of electricity, backed by energy providers. It seeks to make energy trading more open and to help track green energy from the point of production all the way to the final user.

Justoken deployed the product solely on the XRPL, with the network hosting its entire value. It appears this value has since increased with what may be a possible second round of deployment, reaching the recent $1.763 billion figure.

Now, JMWH makes up about 49.9% of the entire RWA value on the XRPL, and 70% of the represented value, being the single-largest product on the network.

XRP Boosts Its Ranking on Global RWA Table

With the recent spike, XRP’s ranking has drastically improved on the global RWA table.

Specifically, the XRPL has now moved to third place among the largest networks by represented real-world assets, jumping 65% over the past 30 days to $2.5 billion at press time. XRP’s market share has also increased 71.78% within the same period to 0.71%.

Meanwhile, regarding overall real-world assets value, including represented and distributed assets, XRP has now pushed further to the fifth position, towering over ZKSync Era, Solana, Stellar, and Polygon. XRP now hosts $3 billion in total RWA, excluding stablecoins, representing a 60.33% increase within 30 days.

XRP Global RWA Ranking
XRP Global RWA Ranking

However, it is important to stress that Justoken’s official platform has still not confirmed the recent spike in JMWH’s value indexed by RWA.xyz.

At press time, Justoken still records $860 million in JMWH value. It remains to be seen if the surge reflects actual data or a glitch from RWA.xyz. As a result, investors should contain their excitement for now.

1...145146147...2,878Page 146 of 2,878