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Zach Rector Explains XRP $33 Trillion Opportunity

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
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Zach Rector Explains XRP $33 Trillion Opportunity

A new analysis by Zach Rector argues XRP could see major growth driven by a projected $33 trillion stablecoin market in 2026.

In a recent breakdown, Rector pointed to estimates suggesting that global on-chain stablecoin volume could exceed $33 trillion this year alone.

While this market is not exclusive to XRP, he argues that even capturing a small share could significantly impact demand for the asset.

Key Points

  • Stablecoin volume could hit $33T in 2026, and even a small share could drive XRP demand, says Zach Rector.
  • Adoption is accelerating as fintech firms integrate stablecoins for global liquidity, creating trillions in potential flow.
  • Supportive U.S. policy and Japan’s SBI initiatives may boost real-world usage and accelerate XRP Ledger adoption.
  • Rising institutional interest and supply tightening could amplify XRP’s upside beyond the $33T opportunity.

Stablecoins Driving a Massive Market Shift

The $33 trillion figure stems from adoption of stablecoins as a core layer of global finance. Industry projections, highlighted at an XRP Tokyo event, suggest that stablecoins are becoming the standard for cross-border liquidity.

Modern fintech firms are no longer debating whether to integrate stablecoins. Instead, they are seeking how quickly they can do so to remain competitive.

This shift could push transaction volumes from billions into trillions, creating a large addressable market for blockchain networks.

For XRP, the opportunity lies in facilitating these flows through the XRP Ledger. Rector argues that increased transaction volume, even with minimal fees, could drive consistent demand and gradually reduce circulating supply.

Regulatory Tailwinds

Meanwhile, the narrative is also being supported by policy developments in the United States. A report from the White House Council of Economic Advisors found that restricting stablecoin yields would have minimal impact on bank lending.

Specifically, the report noted that banning stablecoin yield would only add just 0.02% or $2.1 billion to the banking sector. It challenges banking lobby claims, arguing stablecoins mainly shift deposits rather than remove them, with funds often recycled into Treasuries or other banks.

This aligns with a more open stance toward stablecoin innovation following the GENIUS Act. However, full regulatory clarity is still evolving, meaning large-scale adoption may accelerate once frameworks are fully implemented.

Japan and SBI Push Real-World Adoption

In Japan, progress is already underway. SBI Holdings is exploring workarounds to regulatory limits that currently cap stablecoin transactions at around ¥1 million.

Through trust-based structures, the firm aims to enable larger transfers, paving the way for institutional use. It is also preparing to launch a tokenized yen, expected to integrate with blockchain networks like the XRP Ledger.

This development could play a key role in onboarding real liquidity from Asia into the broader stablecoin ecosystem.

Supply Dynamics and Institutional Demand

Rector also highlights a potential supply squeeze forming around XRP. As more investors and institutions accumulate the asset, the amount available for liquidity provisioning may shrink.

Recent survey data from firms including Coinbase and EY Parthenon indicates that XRP could see a notable increase in institutional allocation.

At the same time, new entities like Evernorth, positioning itself as an XRP treasury company, could further tighten supply by holding large reserves off the market.

Beyond $33 Trillion

While the $33 trillion stablecoin market is significant, it represents just one segment of XRP’s potential use cases.

Other areas include tokenized real-world assets, cross-border payments, and even derivatives. This could push the total addressable market into the hundreds of trillions or higher, according to Rector.

Market Technician Identifies Four Price Zones Bitcoin Could Bottom At

Sam Wisdom Raphael
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Market Technician Identifies Four Price Zones Bitcoin Could Bottom At

A well-known market technician identifies four Bitcoin price zones that could potentially mark the bottom for this downtrend.

Bitcoin has been trading within a range after dropping to $60,000 in early February and rebounding quickly, with the price now hovering around $70,000. 

This movement has created uncertainty in the market, as analysts remain divided on whether the bottom is already in or if further downside could still occur. Amid the uncertainty, analyst Ali Martinez has shared four important price zones that could potentially mark Bitcoin’s bottom. 

Key Points 

  • Market watchers remain divided on whether Bitcoin bottomed at the early February low of $60,000 or not.
  • Ali Martinez has presented four zones that could mark the bottom if prices continue to slide.
  • The $70,685 to $63,111 range forms a major support cluster based on UTXO Realized Price Distribution.
  • A long-term trendline between $56,000 and $60,000 has historically triggered major rallies.
  • Key structural support levels include $47,960 (CVDD), $49,387 (LTH realized price), and $43,647 (MVRV 0.8 band).

Immediate Bitcoin Support Wall and Decade Trendline

Martinez presented these four zones during an analysis on X. The market technician used different indicators to highlight areas where the price has strong support and where past market behavior suggests buyers may step in again.

He first highlighted the UTXO Realized Price Distribution (URPD), which shows where Bitcoin last changed hands. 

Bitcoin URPD Glassnode
Bitcoin URPD | Glassnode

Current data reveals a large cluster of activity between $70,685 and $63,111, meaning many investors bought within this range. As long as the price stays here, these holders will likely defend their positions.

However, he warned that if Bitcoin drops below $63,111, the market could enter a weaker zone with less support, making it easier for the price to fall further. 

Speaking further, he then mentioned a major long-term trendline that has guided Bitcoin’s movement for nearly ten years. This trendline has acted as an important support level in the past, with each retest leading to major rallies. 

Bitcoin Long-Term Support Trendline Ali Martinez
Bitcoin Long-Term Support Trendline | Ali Martinez

These included gains of +963% in 2017, +261% in 2018, +1,126% in 2020, and +660% in 2022. Bitcoin is now approaching this level again, which sits between $56,000 and $60,000. In previous cycles, this is where large investors often completed their accumulation before prices moved higher.

Bitcoin Structural Floor and Extreme Pain Zone

For deeper support, Martinez looked at the Cumulative Value Days Destroyed (CVDD), which tracks when long-term holders move their coins. This metric currently points to a key level at $47,960. In the past, Bitcoin has not stayed near this level for long and has often rebounded quickly after reaching it.

Bitcoin CVDD
Bitcoin CVDD

Meanwhile, he also highlighted the Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV) 0.8 band, which now sits at $43,647. This shows a point where selling pressure becomes extreme, and most short-term traders have already exited the market, leaving behind stronger, long-term holders.

Martinez then noted the Long-Term Holder (LTH) Realized Price at about $49,387 as another important support level. 

Bitcoin LTH Realized Price
Bitcoin LTH Realized Price

In a more severe downturn or unexpected market event, Bitcoin could briefly drop as low as $36,657, which aligns with the -0.2 standard deviation band. According to him, this represents the lowest range where a strong recovery could begin.

Four Price Zones Bitcoin Could Bottom

Martinez noted that instead of trying to find the exact bottom, he would spread his investments across different levels. 

His approach includes buying around $63,111 as the first zone, then $56,000 to $60,000 as the second zone, followed by $47,000 to $49,000 for the third area, and finally $36,000 to $43,000 as the fourth zone if the price falls that far. 

Martinez argued that these four zones represent areas where Bitcoin could actually find its bottom for this cycle. According to him, he will continue to increase his capital commitments at lower prices.

He also pointed out that many traders are currently staying out of the market due to fear or are selling their holdings. In past cycles, the best buying opportunities have often appeared during these quiet and uncertain periods, not during times of excitement.

US Treasury Secretary Says It’s Time to Advance Crypto’s Clarity Act to Trump’s Desk

Lele Jima
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US Treasury Secretary Says It’s Time to Advance Crypto’s Clarity Act to Trump’s Desk
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged the Senate to accelerate action on the long-delayed Digital Asset Market Clarity Act and send it to the president’s desk without further delay. 

In a recent WSJ op-ed, he warned that the United States could fall behind in financial innovation if lawmakers fail to establish clear rules for the rapidly expanding digital asset sector.

Key Points 

  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged the U.S. Senate Banking Committee to hold a markup session and advance the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. 
  • He emphasized that the bill should move quickly through the Senate and reach Donald Trump’s desk for final approval. 
  • Bessent noted that digital assets have grown beyond an experimental stage and now play a major role in global finance, with one in six Americans owning some form of crypto. 
  • Lawmakers are expected to resume sessions after the Easter break, with a potential markup session later this month that could move the Clarity Act to a full Senate debate.

US Must Act Quickly to Keep Financial Innovation

In a tweet today, Bessent reiterated the arguments from his recent op-ed, emphasizing the urgent need to advance the Clarity Act. He noted that the U.S. Congress has spent much of the past decade debating an appropriate regulatory framework for digital assets. 

However, despite years of discussion, lawmakers have yet to finalize legislation governing the broader crypto industry. As a result, Bessent argued that the Clarity Act could deliver the regulatory certainty needed to keep financial innovation within the U.S., rather than pushing it offshore. 

Therefore, he stressed that Congress must act quickly to preserve the country’s leadership in global finance as digital assets move into the mainstream. 

“It Is Time to Advance the Clarity Act to Trump’s Desk”

Bessent also pointed out that cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology now influence payments and settlement systems, and the tokenization of real-world assets. 

Per his analysis, the global digital asset market cap continues to fluctuate between $2 trillion and $3 trillion, with roughly one in six Americans owning some form of crypto. Consequently, he argued that the industry has grown far beyond its early experimental phase.

Given this momentum, Bessent said the U.S. Senate Banking Committee should immediately hold a markup session on the Clarity Act and move the legislation forward to the president’s desk. 

He emphasized that Senate floor time is limited and warned that further delays could leave the United States without the regulatory framework needed to compete in the next phase of global finance.

Banking Committee Markup Still on Hold

For context, the bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives in July 2025 and was later sent to the Senate that year. However, progress stalled in the Senate Banking Committee after disagreements emerged over whether stablecoins should be allowed to offer yield.

The current Senate draft reportedly bans stablecoin yields, a position supported by traditional banking groups. In contrast, several industry participants, including Coinbase, oppose the restriction.

Nevertheless, reports from Crypto in America suggest that banking and crypto stakeholders may have reached a compromise. The report cited comments from Coinbase CLO Paul Grewal, although lawmakers have not yet released full details because Congress remains on Easter recess.

Lawmakers are expected to resume sessions next week. At that point, the Banking Committee could resolve the remaining issues, including the DeFi requirement and token classification, before holding a markup session later this month. 

If the committee advances the bill, it could proceed to the full Senate for debate and a potential vote, bringing the United States closer to its first comprehensive crypto regulatory framework.

Bithumb Chases 7 Bitcoin Lost in $42B Error, US Crypto Bill Splits Regulators, Whale Buys $2.6M HYPE

Zabi
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0
Bithumb Chases 7 Bitcoin Lost in $42B Error, US Crypto Bill Splits Regulators, Whale Buys $2.6M HYPE

Latest Market Updates: As of 9th April 2026.

Bithumb Moves to Recover Missing Bitcoin After Costly Error

The day’s most significant legal development comes from South Korea, where crypto exchange Bithumb is pursuing action to recover funds lost in a major system error.

Specifically, the incident dates back to February 6, when the exchange planned a small reward distribution. On that day, 620,000 won (approximately $420) was to be given to 249 promotional winners. However, a technical mistake instead triggered the transfer of 620,000 Bitcoin, worth around $42 billion at the time.

Although Bithumb managed to reverse most transactions within minutes, a portion of the funds had already been moved beyond immediate recovery. Nevertheless, the exchange later confirmed that it retrieved 99.7% of the assets the same day. Meanwhile, the remaining 1,788 BTC had already been offloaded and was subsequently replenished from company funds.

Now, with 7 BTC still unaccounted for, Bithumb has escalated the situation. In fact, according to Chosun Biz, the company has filed for a provisional asset freeze targeting users who have yet to return the funds, signaling a firm and ongoing legal effort.

U.S. Crypto Bill Sparks Divide Over Developer Rules

While Bithumb navigates legal recovery, a separate debate is intensifying in the United States over crypto regulation.

In particular, a proposed bill backed by Tim Scott has sparked division between law enforcement and the crypto industry. At the center of this debate is how non-custodial software developers should be classified.

According to Politico, the bill suggests that developers who do not control user funds should not be treated as money transmitters. In line with this, they would also be exempt from anti-money laundering (AML) requirements.

However, law enforcement groups argue that such provisions could create dangerous blind spots, weakening their ability to track financial crimes.

On the other hand, industry advocates, along with Senator Cynthia Lummis, defend the proposal. They contend that writing code is a constitutional activity and should not automatically fall under financial regulation.

Bitcoin Network Activity Falls to Multi-Year Lows

Amid these legal and regulatory developments, on-chain data suggests the crypto market is entering a quieter phase.

For instance, according to CryptoQuant, active addresses on the Bitcoin network have declined sharply since the start of this year, reaching levels not seen in nearly eight years.

This drop points to reduced volatility and waning speculative interest, with short-term traders stepping back. At the same time, long-term holders appear to be gaining influence.

The firm’s analysts interpret this shift as a potential accumulation phase. In this phase, large investors quietly build positions, careful not to trigger major price movements.

Historically, such low-activity periods have often preceded upward trends, hinting that the market may be laying the groundwork for future momentum.

Bitcoin Active Addresses Falls to Multi Year Lows
Bitcoin Active Addresses Fall to Multi-Year Lows

Whale Makes $2.6M Bet on HYPE Tokens

Despite the broader slowdown, targeted investments are still emerging.

For context, data from Onchain Lens shows that a crypto whale recently purchased 67,648 HYPE tokens. The investment totaled approximately $2.6 million, at an average price of $38.49 per token.

Notably, this move follows recent comments from Arthur Hayes, who stated that HYPE is currently the only asset he is actively accumulating, thereby adding further intrigue to the trade.

Binance Founder Emphasizes Building During Bear Markets

Finally, zooming out, industry leaders are increasingly focusing on long-term strategy rather than short-term price action.

In this context, Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, recently shared his perspective on market cycles during an appearance on The Wolf of All Streets podcast.

According to Zhao, bear markets often provide the best conditions for innovation. With reduced competition and more realistic valuations, builders can focus on creating sustainable projects.

Drawing on insights from YZi Labs, he highlighted that many successful ventures were launched during previous downturns, and that investments made in such periods often deliver stronger long-term returns.

In conclusion, his message is clear: those who continue building now are likely to be best positioned when the next bull cycle arrives.

Former Ripple CTO on the Identity of Satoshi: “Finally, We Have the Answer”

Sam Wisdom Raphael
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Former Ripple CTO on the Identity of Satoshi: “Finally, We Have the Answer”

David Schwartz, former Ripple CTO, reacts to a New York Times article on the identity of Satoshi, suggesting that the piece has provided an answer.

A recent opinion piece from The New York Times claims it may have uncovered the true identity of Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, pointing to Blockstream’s Adam Back. Reacting, Ripple’s David Schwartz suggested that they may have finally solved the mystery.

Key Points

  • A New York Times investigation identified Adam Back as the strongest candidate for Satoshi Nakamoto.
  • The report links Back to Bitcoin through his creation of Hashcash in 1997, shared Cypherpunk roots, and strong linguistic similarities.
  • Ripple’s CTO Emeritus, David Schwartz, reacted to the report with a remark suggesting the mystery was solved.
  • Back denies the claims, insisting that Satoshi’s anonymity is good for Bitcoin.

David Schwartz Responds to NYT Article on Satoshi’s Identity 

The NYT article mentions Adam Back, a British cryptographer and founder of Blockstream, as the most likely person behind the name. Back started Blockstream in 2014, and the report presents him as someone whose background matches what is known about Bitcoin’s origins.

After the article was published, David Schwartz, Ripple’s CTO Emeritus, reacted by suggesting that the question of Satoshi’s identity had finally been settled. “Finally, we have the definitive answer,” he said, suggesting that this may have ended the long-running debate. 

However, some members of the XRP community chose not to take his words at face value, claiming he was merely being sarcastic. This rekindled claims that Schwartz himself was Satoshi. One well-known community figure, XRPCryptowolf, argued that Schwartz had been part of a group linked to the NSA that created Bitcoin.

The Case for Adam Back

The NYT investigation came out on April 8 after 18 months of work led by journalist John Carreyrou, with support from Dylan Freedman. Notably, the team reviewed old Cypherpunk emails, forum posts, and mailing lists, and also used writing-style analysis to compare texts. 

The article builds its case for Adam Back using several points. First, Back created Hashcash in 1997, a proof-of-work system that Bitcoin later referenced in its whitepaper. He also explored ideas like combining Hashcash with concepts such as b-money, and he discussed digital cash systems that focus on privacy and reduce control from governments.

The report also looked at writing patterns using AI tools. It found that Back shared 67 out of 325 unique hyphenation patterns seen in Satoshi’s writing. Other similarities included the use of British spellings like “optimise” and “cheque,” and switching between “e-mail” and “email.” Across different methods, Back showed the closest match to Satoshi’s writing style.

The article also reviewed his behavior over time. It noted his strong knowledge of distributed systems, public-key cryptography, and the same programming language used by Satoshi. It also pointed out that he stayed mostly quiet in Bitcoin forums while Satoshi was active, then became more visible later. The report also mentioned early email exchanges between Back and Satoshi.

Back, who holds a doctorate in distributed computer systems, has denied the claims. He said his early work on digital cash, dating back to around 1992, overlaps with Bitcoin because of shared ideas within the Cypherpunk community. He also supports Satoshi’s decision to remain anonymous, saying it helps Bitcoin stay neutral.

Origins of the Schwartz-Satoshi Theory

Meanwhile, the link between Schwartz and Satoshi, rekindled by his recent comment on the NYT article, mainly comes from his technical background. Notably, the former Ripple CTO has deep knowledge of cryptography, distributed systems, and peer-to-peer networks, which are all important parts of Bitcoin’s design.

His past work as an NSA contractor has also fueled these claims. This has led to theories suggesting that agencies like the NSA or CIA could have been involved in creating Bitcoin. Some have also mentioned similarities in writing style between Schwartz and Satoshi, based on informal analyses of past writings and technical discussions.

Schwartz has addressed these claims many times and has always denied them. According to him, while he has the skills needed to create something like Bitcoin, this does not mean he actually did.

He has also explained that the timeline does not match. According to him, he only learned about Bitcoin in 2011, after Satoshi had already stepped away. In May 2024, he even shared a meme or image that he described as clear proof that he is not Satoshi.

The XRP Bounce Is Over: Here’s What Could Play Out Next

Elendu Benedict
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The XRP Bounce Is Over: Here’s What Could Play Out Next

A recent analysis has ruled out further XRP recovery, highlighting a clean setup for the next wave of a bearish trend to lower price levels.

XRP failed to sustain its recent recovery attempt. It jumped to a high of $1.39 on April 7 but bears quickly stepped in and took prices lower again. However, beneath this higher price rejection is a more concerning development, one with greater bearish implications for short-term price action.

Key Points

  • XRP jumped to a high of $1.39 on April 7, but that high could mark the end of a price recovery.
  • The recovery produced the needed wave of relief rally to complete a broader bearish structure.
  • Further price downturns could follow, and the target is the 0.786 Fibonacci extension at $1.085.
  • If the market remains weak and bears still control proceedings, a deeper correction to $0.86 could occur.
  • Despite the expectations of further bearish developments, analysis still maintains a long-term bullish view on XRP.

XRP Bounced, but There’s a Catch

The Tuesday bounce saw XRP appreciate by 4.4%, rising from an intraday low of $1.29 to reach $1.39 before consolidating to close at $1.37. The increase followed a positive development in the ceasefire discussion between the United States and Iran.

However, there could be more to this bounce, according to an analysis from experienced market watcher CasiTrades. In a recent X post, she attributed the move to a broader bearish formation, which eventually targets lower prices.

She stated that the Tuesday high marks the end of the XRP price recovery. This is because the recovery produced the needed wave of relief rally to complete a broader bearish structure. According to her, the push gave the clean wave 2 bounce to the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement level, where she earlier speculated would cap further uptrends.

Interestingly, the prices seem to be moving in line with her plan, as XPR has retraced from its high, aligning with the broader crypto market trend. It has pulled back by 4.3% to its current market price of $1.33.

The Real Move Is Coming

CasiTrades now expects a wave 3 move downwards. An accompanying chart shows that the target is towards the 0.786 Fibonacci extension at $1.085, representing an 18% pullback from the current market price. According to her, this move would happen quickly.

XRP Wave 3 Target/CasiTrades
XRP Wave 3 Target/CasiTrades

Notably, the accompanying chart indicates this may not be the end of the downtrend. If the market remains weak and bears still control proceedings, a deeper correction to the 0.854 Fibonacci level at $0.86 could occur. However, before this, another relief bounce from $1.085 to around $1.20 may first play out, forming wave 4.

Despite the expectations of further bearish developments, the analyst still maintains a long-term bullish view on XRP. Her chart suggests that once the correction is over, the prominent altcoin will begin an impulsive upward move. Interestingly, this outlook sees even a new all-time high of $6 as a conservative target.

Conflicting Short-Term XRP View

While CasiTrades predicts further corrections, analyst Dark Defender offers a contradictory view. He shared in a recent post that XRP has formed a base around the $1.30 support, and new highs are in sight.

Further fueling this sentiment is XRP’s break above a descending resistance trendline on the 3-day chart. The commentary suggests that this, alongside a bullish RSI crossover, could propel the coin to a new all-time high.

Market Updates: Bitcoin Depot Loses $3.7M in BTC Hack, ETH Slides after Foundation Sales, Canary Capital Files PEPE spot ETF

Zabi
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Market Updates: Bitcoin Depot Loses $3.7M in BTC Hack, ETH Slides after Foundation Sales, Canary Capital Files PEPE spot ETF

Latest Market Updates: As of 9th April 2026.

Bitcoin Depot Reports $3.7M Bitcoin Theft

Security concerns took center stage in the crypto world after Bitcoin Depot revealed a major cyberattack.

In its recent SEC filing, the crypto ATM operator reported that on March 23, unauthorized access was detected in its internal systems. As a result, attackers obtained credentials linked to crypto settlement accounts.

This breach enabled the transfer of 50.9 BTC, worth nearly $3.7 million, from company-controlled wallets. The firm responded by activating incident protocols and notifying law enforcement.

While the breach was serious, Bitcoin Depot confirmed that customer data and platforms remained unaffected. A third-party investigation is ongoing, and insurance may cover part of the losses, though full recovery is uncertain.

Ethereum Foundation Sells ETH, Price Dips

As security news dominated headlines, market attention also turned to Ethereum’s recent price movements.

The Ethereum Foundation confirmed it is converting 5,000 ETH into stablecoins to fund research, grants, and donations. The sales are being executed via CoW DAO’s TWAP feature, according to an official X post.

So far, 3,750 ETH, worth $8.3 million, has been sold, per Arkham data. Following the announcement, ETH briefly slipped below $2,200 and now trades at $2,179, a 3.32% daily decline. Despite the dip, the asset remains up over 6% in the past week.

Ethereum Foundation Sales
Ethereum Foundation Sales

Wrapped Ethereum Network Activity Surges to Yearly High

While prices fluctuated, on-chain metrics signaled rising network engagement.

Santiment reported a sharp spike in Wrapped Ethereum (WETH) activity on Wednesday, with over 32,000 new wallets created in a single day, a 16-fold increase from typical levels. Active addresses also climbed to 46,650, roughly three times the average.

This marks the highest level of network growth so far this year, pointing to strong underlying participation despite short-term volatility.

Image

Canary Capital Files for PEPE ETF

Meanwhile, institutional interest continues to expand into new corners of the crypto market.

Canary Capital has filed an S-1 application with the U.S. SEC to launch a spot ETF tied to Pepe (PEPE). The proposed fund would hold PEPE tokens via a custodian, with up to 5% of assets allocated in ETH for transaction costs.

However, the filing also flagged key risks, particularly the token’s concentrated ownership, with the top 10 wallets controlling around 41% of the supply.

As of this writing, PEPE trades at $0.000003464, down 6.1% in 24 hours, and nearly 85% below its all-time high from December 2024, per CoinMarketCap.

Michael Saylor Rejects NYT Satoshi Claim

Beyond market developments, debate over Bitcoin’s origins has resurfaced. Michael Saylor pushed back against a New York Times report suggesting Adam Back could be Satoshi Nakamoto.

In a post on X, Saylor argued that stylometric analysis is insufficient as proof and cited email exchanges from 2008 to support the claim that the two are distinct individuals.

He emphasized that only a verified cryptographic signature could conclusively confirm Satoshi’s identity.

Adam Back himself has also rejected the claim on X. He clarified that he was merely an early adopter of Bitcoin, given his long-term research in cryptography and privacy tech.

Large XRP Whales Boost Holdings to All-Time High of 11.33 Billion Tokens

Mark Brennan
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Large XRP Whales Boost Holdings to All-Time High of 11.33 Billion Tokens

XRP whales holding between 10 million and 100 million tokens have now increased their cumulative balance to the highest level in XRP’s history.

Specifically, these addresses recently raised their balance to 11.33 billion XRP, worth more than $15 billion at press time despite the ongoing market downturn. The latest milestone indicates that large whales have leveraged the downtrend as a golden buying opportunity despite panic among retail investors.

Key Points

  • XRP whales holding between 10 million and 100 million tokens have increased their balance to 11.3 billion XRP.
  • This marks their highest cumulative balance in history amid an ongoing accumulation campaign.
  • The accumulation push picked up in August 2025 after XRP’s price dropped from the July 2025 peak.
  • Lower-tier whales with 100,000 to 1 million XRP have seen their share of XRP supply drop from 10.29% to 9.53% since July 2025.

XRP’s Price Struggles

The recent accumulation campaign comes as XRP continues to witness persistent price struggles alongside the rest of the crypto market. Specifically, since the crash from the all-time high of $3.6 in July 2025, it has been downhill for XRP, as the broader market witnesses constant weakness.

After a mild 2.5% rebound in September 2025, XRP has recorded consistent monthly declines, now on track to witness its seventh consecutive monthly loss for the first time since 2014. Currently trading for $1.33, XRP has crashed 63% from the $3.6 peak, down 27.46% this year alone. 

XRP Whales Accumulating 

Interestingly, the recent accumulation trend among these large whales picked up pace after XRP dropped from the $3.6 peak. Notably, these wallets distributed their tokens from late July to early August, as their cumulative balance dropped from 8.21 billion XRP to 7.58 billion XRP within this period.

From mid-August, the accumulation began. These XRP whales increased their balance from 7.58 billion XRP in August 2025 to 11.12 billion XRP by December 2025, indicating that they accumulated 3.54 billion tokens within four months. During this period, XRP’s price crashed from $3 to $1.83, marking a 39% drop.

XRP Whale Accumulation Santiment
XRP Whale Accumulation | Santiment

After reaching 11.12 billion XRP in cumulative holdings last December, the accumulation trend slowed, with their balance dropping to 11 billion tokens in late February 2026 before recently picking up again. Today, these XRP whales currently hold 11.33 billion XRP tokens. This represents their largest ever combined balance in history.

Smaller XRP Whales Distributing 

While large whales consistently bought the dip, smaller XRP whales appear to be distributing. Notably, sharks and whales holding between 100,000 and 1 million XRP have constantly reduced their holdings amid the ongoing downtrend. 

This tier of investors held a balance of 6.64 billion XRP in September 2025. Today, the figure has dropped to 6.34 billion, indicating that they have distributed or sold off 300 million XRP tokens during the downturn. 

Smaller XRP Whales Distributing
Smaller XRP Whales Distributing

However, the distribution pattern among these smaller whales started playing out long before the recent downtrend began, particularly in November 2024, when they held as much as 6.81 billion XRP. It’s been downhill since then. As a result, their share of XRP supply has dropped from 11.03% in November 2024 to 9.549% today.

Russell 2000 Nears All-Time Highs, Sparks Bullish Outlook for XRP

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
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Russell 2000 Nears All-Time Highs, Sparks Bullish Outlook for XRP

The Russell 2000 is closing in on a major breakout, and some analysts believe this could trigger a powerful rally across the crypto market, including XRP.

Market observer Bird points out that the index is now less than 100 points away from its all-time highs. Recent futures data show a breakout above a multi-month downtrend.

The move places the Russell 2000 within roughly 3–4% of entering price discovery to trade with little historical resistance.

Key Points

  • Russell 2000 nears all-time highs, signaling potential risk-on momentum that could boost XRP and altcoins.
  • Historical trends show XRP rallies sharply when Russell 2000 enters price discovery, driven by capital rotation.
  • Bitcoin dominance is weakening, and the neutral fear index suggests growing bullish sentiment across crypto markets.
  • Regulatory clarity from the Clarity Act and strong technical setups may support a broader crypto breakout.

Historical Pattern Points to XRP Upside

According to the analysis, every time the Russell 2000 breaks into price discovery, the altcoin market tends to follow with aggressive upside moves. He claims XRP has historically responded with parabolic rallies during such periods.

The reasoning lies in market psychology and capital flow. The Russell 2000 tracks smaller and mid-cap U.S. companies, serving as a strong indicator of risk appetite.

When this index starts pushing higher, it typically signals that investors are rotating capital into higher-risk assets, which may extend into crypto markets.

Notably, historical data supports Bird’s claim. In November 2021, when the index reached a cycle peak around 2,458, the crypto market was similarly at the peak of its bull run. However, XRP’s bullish phase had already ended earlier, in April of that year.

Meanwhile, the Russell 2000 entered another uptrend in 2024 that peaked in November, which was precisely when crypto assets like Bitcoin and XRP broke out massively to set new all-time highs.

Now, since last month, the index has been in an uptrend and is approaching its previous peak. Market watchers like Bird believe the momentum could again spill over into crypto.

Russell 2000 index chart | TradingView
Russell 2000 index chart | TradingView

Risk Appetite Signals Align Across Markets

Beyond the Russell 2000 setup, several macro and crypto-specific indicators are beginning to align. Bird argues that Bitcoin dominance is showing signs of weakening, suggesting capital may soon rotate into altcoins.

Notably, while Bitcoin’s dominance is down 1.97% over the last six months, it is now up 1.63% over the past week, with the current figure at 59.55%.

Meanwhile, the analyst notes that multiple bear market indicators now point to a potential end to the crypto downturn. For instance, over 40% of XRP holders are underwater; the last time such a figure appeared, XRP experienced a near 2x price surge.

Beyond XRP, the overall crypto market fear index is now neutral at 43. Just two months ago, in February, it reached an extreme low of 5. In other words, the current figure implies the market is gradually transitioning into a bullish phase.

Source: CoinMarketCap
Source: CoinMarketCap

Regulatory developments are also adding to the optimism. The anticipated passing of the Clarity Act could provide clearer guidelines for the industry, opening the door for more institutional participation.

Combined with improving technical structures across major crypto charts, analysts believe the market may be on the verge of a broader breakout.

XRP Positioned for a Breakout?

With these factors converging, many view XRP as a key beneficiary if risk-on sentiment accelerates. The asset has historically performed strongly during periods of capital rotation into altcoins.

For now, whether the Russell 2000 breakout into new highs could act as a macro trigger for crypto remains to be seen.

XRP Breaks Key Resistance, Analyst Signals New All-Time High in Sight

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
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XRP Breaks Key Resistance, Analyst Signals New All-Time High in Sight

XRP is showing bullish momentum after breaking a critical resistance level on higher timeframes, according to market analyst Dark Defender.

In a recent update, the analyst pointed to XRP’s breakout above a descending orange resistance trendline on the 3-day chart.

The move marks a shift in market structure after weeks of consolidation. This comes after the asset repeatedly held firm at the $1.31 level, identified as a key Fibonacci support zone.

At the time of Dark Defender’s post, XRP was trading at $1.38 following a broader relief rally that saw Bitcoin hit $72,000 yesterday. This enabled XRP to form a breakout structure that the analyst believes could set up a run toward a new all-time high.

Key Points

  • XRP breaks key resistance after holding $1.31 support, forming a bullish market structure on higher timeframes.
  • Analyst Dark Defender says the breakout could trigger a run toward a new all-time high as momentum indicators turn positive.
  • XRP trades near $1.33, requiring a 175% surge to reclaim previous highs.
  • While some predict gains, others expect a drop to $1.09 or lower, citing weakening momentum.

Technical Structure Signaling Strength

Dark Defender emphasized that XRP respected the $1.30 support level multiple times, forming a strong base for a potential upward move.

The chart structure also confirms the completion of a corrective “C wave,” suggesting that the recent downtrend phase may have ended. Additionally, a resistance-support triangle pattern has now been broken to the upside.

Meanwhile, momentum indicators are also aligning with the bullish outlook. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has printed a bullish crossover, signalling increasing buying pressure and strengthening the case for further upside.

With structure, momentum, and key levels aligning, the analyst believes XRP may be entering a new expansion phase.

XRP chart by Dark Defender
XRP chart by Dark Defender

“New Highs Back in Sight”

Following these technical confirmations, Dark Defender stated that a new all-time high for XRP’s price is now “in sight”. The outlook suggests that the asset could soon challenge and surpass its previous peak if momentum holds.

Notably, XRP’s peak price stands at $3.66, which it reached in July 2025. The asset is currently trading over 60% below this peak. To reach and surpass this level, XRP would need to gain more than 175%.

Given the current cautious market sentiment, some commentators do not see this happening anytime soon.

Notably, the recent breakout came at a time when market sentiment was improving. However, the momentum has already cooled, and the price is dipping. XRP is currently trading at $1.33, down 3.5% over the past day.

Opposing View on XRP

Interestingly, while Dark Defender calls for a near 2x price run, other prominent market watchers, such as Casi Trade, argue the opposite. In a recent tweet, Casi argued that XRP’s relief bounce is over and that a new bottom price may form soon.

In particular, the analyst is calling for a retracement to $1.09, with a worst-case scenario of $0.85. This view aligns with other technical analysts like Chart Nerd, who have insisted that a dip to $0.70 remains on the table as long as XRP has not overcome the $2 resistance.

Casi Trade's chart
Casi Trade’s chart
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