XRP Millionaire Wallets Rise for First Time Since September

When prices fall, the real investors emerge. XRP has dropped 4% this month, yet blockchain data tells a completely different story about what's happening beneath the surface.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Wallets holding at least 1 million XRP — the so-called "millionaire wallets" — increased by 42 this month to reach 2,016 total, according to Santiment. This marks the first increase since September 2025, breaking a four-month streak of declines.

These aren't retail traders chasing quick gains. Large holders are quietly accumulating XRP while others focus on short-term price movements. The timing suggests strategic positioning rather than speculative buying.

Meanwhile, U.S.-listed spot XRP ETFs have attracted $91.72 million in net inflows this month. Following massive inflows of $666 million and $499 million in November and December respectively, institutional appetite remains strong.

Swimming Against the Bitcoin Tide

This contrasts sharply with bitcoin ETFs, which processed $278 million in redemptions this month after bleeding over $4 billion in the final two months of 2025. While bitcoin struggles with outflows, XRP continues attracting fresh capital.

Yet XRP's price tells a different story. Trading at $1.88, down 1.7% in 24 hours, the token has failed to reclaim its 50-day moving average. Rallies repeatedly stall near the $2 handle, suggesting resistance from shorter-term holders.

The Accumulation Thesis

This divergence — rising whale balances and steady ETF inflows alongside weak price action — points to quiet accumulation rather than speculative froth. Large holders appear to be positioning for Ripple's long-term vision of cross-border payments infrastructure.

With central banks exploring digital currencies and Ripple expanding its enterprise partnerships, institutional players may be betting on XRP's utility value rather than pure price momentum.

Historically, similar setups in XRP have preceded periods of consolidation before sharper moves, though timing has varied widely. The current environment suggests patience over urgency among sophisticated investors.