XRP Price Weakness Hides a Powerful Signal – Large Holders Just Set a Record

XRP price has been trading in the $1.40-$1.50 range for weeks. The $1.50 level is now a strong resistance – XRP price got rejected there last week. But Santiment reported something today that should encourage XRP holders. Let’s look at the data.

Santiment: Large XRP Wallets Hit All-Time High of 332,230

Based on the Santiment’s on-chain data, the XRP Ledger now has 332,230 wallets holding at least 10,000 XRP. That is an all-time high. This extends a consistent growth trend that has been building since June 2024.

The chart (provided) shows the number of 10K+ wallets climbing from roughly 317,000 in November 2025 to 332,230 by May 2026. There was a sharp drop of more than 4,500 wallets between February 6 and 8. Santiment notes there is no single XRP-specific event tied to that drop. The timing strongly suggests it was connected to the crypto-wide crash and liquidations on February 5. Since then, the growth in wallets has exceeded that loss.

The continued rise in large wallets is an important long-term signal. It shows that larger holders kept accumulating even during periods of volatility and uncertainty. Historically, rising numbers of mid-to-large wallets suggest increasing conviction from investors who focus on long-term positioning rather than short-term swings. This is especially notable because XRP has spent much of 2026 trading below previous highs. Many holders appear willing to accumulate during fear rather than chase momentum.

Chart analysis: The line chart shows a clear upward slope from November 2025 to May 2026, interrupted only by the February dip. The current reading at 332,230 is above the pre-crash level of around 327,000. That tells us the recovery in wallet count is complete. The trend remains firmly bullish for holder conviction.

Our take: XRP price weakness does not always mean weak hands. The wallet data indicates smart money has been quietly building positions. This is the opposite of retail chasing tops. If the CLARITY Act passes, these holders could be rewarded.

XRP News

Ripple announces $200M debt facility

Ripple secured a $200 million debt facility from Neuberger Specialty Finance to expand its prime brokerage unit, Ripple Prime. The capital will increase margin lending capacity for clients trading across crypto and traditional markets. This is a significant vote of confidence. The lender trusts Ripple Prime’s cash flow, which has tripled year-over-year since its 2025 acquisition.

XRP as collateral

Ripple Prime CEO Mike Higgins stated that XRP is expected to join Bitcoin and Ethereum as accepted collateral in new tokenized margin and settlement systems. This shift would allow institutions to post XRP as collateral without converting it to cash, enhancing capital efficiency and integrating XRP deeper into financial infrastructure.

ETF inflows

XRP ETFs saw +$40 million in inflows last week. That is less than Solana (+$48M) and Ethereum (+$77M) during the same period. Still, positive inflows show institutional interest, even if smaller than competitors.

XRP Short-Term Price Outlook

XRP remains stuck between $1.40 and $1.50. The $1.50 level has rejected price multiple times. A daily close above $1.50 would open the door to $1.65 and then $1.80. The large wallet accumulation shows support near $1.40 is pretty strong.

If the CLARITY Act passes on May 14, XRP could break $1.50 quickly. If it fails or gets delayed, a drop to $1.30 or $1.25 is possible. The Ripple debt facility is positive but not an immediate price catalyst. Watch the $1.44 midpoint. A break either side will set the next short-term trend.

FAQs

Why are large XRP wallets at an all‑time high while price is stuck

Large holders accumulate during fear and uncertainty, not momentum. The wallet growth shows conviction that price will eventually follow.

How does Ripple’s $200M debt facility affect XRP

It expands prime brokerage and margin lending. If XRP becomes accepted collateral, institutional demand increases. Long‑term bullish.

How high can XRP go realistically

Realistically, most credible analysts expect XRP to trade between $2.80 and $10 by the end of 2026, with the lower end being a target from Standard Chartered. Long-term projections beyond 2026 become much more optimistic, with forecasts like $29 by 2030 (e.g., Bitwise) or $28 (Standard Chartered), depending heavily on whether the CLARITY Act passes and drives institutional adoption.