In recent weeks, XRP has surged by an impressive 23%, capturing the attention of investors and analysts across the crypto market. This momentum is being driven by significant accumulation from whale wallets and growing optimism around the potential launch of an XRP-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF). With the price climbing to $2.73 — a 6.31% gain in just 24 hours — XRP is now closer than ever to reclaiming its all-time highs.
Boasting a circulating supply of 57 billion tokens and a market capitalization of $157.75 billion, XRP has solidified its position as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. This resurgence comes after a strong performance throughout 2025, fueled by institutional interest and shifting regulatory sentiment.
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Whale Accumulation Signals Strong Confidence
One of the most compelling drivers behind XRP’s rally is the unprecedented activity from crypto whales — investors holding between $1 million and $10 million worth of XRP. Since November 2024, these large-scale holders have amassed approximately $3.8 billion in XRP, signaling strong conviction in the asset’s long-term value.
According to analytics platform Santiment, whale wallets now hold 37% more XRP than they did just two months ago. This aggressive accumulation suggests that deep-pocketed investors are positioning themselves ahead of anticipated market-moving developments.
Such concentrated buying pressure often precedes major price movements, especially when combined with improving market sentiment. The current trend indicates that whales aren’t just holding — they’re actively building larger positions, possibly in anticipation of regulatory clarity or financial product innovation like an ETF.
Price Hits Multi-Year High Amid Rising Momentum
XRP recently reached an intraday high of $2.87**, its highest level since December 3, 2024. This marks a critical milestone, placing the token just **16% below its all-time high** and reigniting speculation about whether it can break through the elusive **$3 barrier.
The upward trajectory has been supported by sustained buying from large wallets, which Santiment identifies as key players in this rally. Their consistent accumulation underscores confidence in XRP’s fundamentals and future use cases, particularly within cross-border payments and institutional finance.
Market analysts are closely watching these patterns, as historical data shows that prolonged whale accumulation phases often precede explosive price growth. With technical indicators flashing bullish signals, many believe XRP could be entering a new growth cycle.
ETF Hype Adds Fuel to the Fire
A major catalyst behind the renewed interest in XRP is the growing speculation around a potential XRP-based ETF. Last year, financial giant JPMorgan suggested that such a product could attract up to $8 billion in inflows, should it gain regulatory approval.
While no official filings have been submitted yet, the mere possibility has energized the community. ETFs provide traditional investors with regulated exposure to digital assets, significantly broadening the investor base. For XRP — a token with established banking partnerships and real-world utility — this could be a game-changer.
Regulatory developments also play into this narrative. With former SEC Chair Gary Gensler stepping down in early 2025, there is hope for a more favorable regulatory environment for Ripple and its flagship token. A shift in leadership could pave the way for clearer guidelines on XRP’s classification, potentially removing one of the biggest overhangs on its price.
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Whale Transactions Stir Market Debate
Recent blockchain activity has further intensified market discussions. Whale Alert flagged a significant transfer of 30.17 million XRP (valued at $80.6 million) from an unidentified wallet labeled “rUvEC” to a Coinbase-hosted wallet “rRmgo”.
This movement sparked debate within the XRP community: was this a strategic transfer ahead of a major price move, or simply an operational adjustment by a large holder? While inflows to exchanges can sometimes signal impending sell-offs, context matters.
In this case, many experts suggest the transaction may be part of routine liquidity management or custodial realignment rather than profit-taking. Regardless, large-scale movements like this influence market psychology, often triggering short-term volatility and increased trading volume.
Indeed, XRP’s 24-hour trading volume has spiked to $14.08 billion, reflecting heightened investor engagement and strong market participation.
Can XRP Break $3?
With momentum building and key resistance levels falling, the question on every investor’s mind is: Can XRP reach $3?
At current levels, achieving this target requires only a 10% increase from recent highs — a modest move by crypto standards. Given the confluence of factors — whale accumulation, ETF speculation, rising trading volume, and improving regulatory outlook — many analysts believe this milestone is within reach.
Reclaiming $3 would not only restore psychological confidence but also reposition XRP as a leading contender in the smart contract and payments ecosystem. More importantly, it could trigger a wave of new investment from both retail and institutional players.
However, challenges remain. Regulatory uncertainty, although easing, hasn’t disappeared entirely. Additionally, broader macroeconomic conditions — including interest rates and risk appetite — will continue to influence crypto markets.
Still, the fundamentals for XRP look stronger than they have in years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why are whales buying so much XRP?
A: Whales are likely accumulating due to growing confidence in XRP’s utility, potential ETF approval, and expectations of regulatory clarity following leadership changes at the SEC.
Q: What would an XRP ETF mean for the price?
A: An approved ETF would bring institutional-grade legitimacy and massive inflows — JPMorgan estimates up to $8 billion — significantly boosting demand and price stability.
Q: How close is XRP to its all-time high?
A: XRP is currently about 16% below its peak price. With recent momentum, it’s approaching record levels faster than at any point since 2024.
Q: Does movement to exchanges mean whales are selling?
A: Not necessarily. Transfers to exchange wallets can be for custody, trading strategy, or liquidity purposes — not always immediate sell signals.
Q: What’s needed for XRP to hit $3?
A: Sustained buying pressure, positive regulatory news, and continued whale support are key. A major catalyst like an ETF filing could accelerate this move.
Q: Is XRP still a good investment in 2025?
A: Many analysts view XRP favorably due to its strong use case in global payments, growing adoption, and improving legal standing — though all crypto investments carry risk.
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Final Outlook: Bullish Signals Align
XRP’s journey in 2025 has been defined by resilience, strategic accumulation, and rising institutional interest. The combination of whale demand, ETF speculation, and regulatory evolution creates a powerful tailwind that could propel XRP past $3 in the near term.
While no price prediction is guaranteed, the current market structure suggests that upside potential outweighs downside risks — especially if macro conditions remain stable.
For investors, staying informed and monitoring on-chain activity will be crucial in navigating the next phase of XRP’s evolution.
Disclaimer: The content provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. Cryptocurrency investments are subject to high market risk. Prices can fluctuate rapidly, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions.