Ripple Co-founder’s Profit-Taking and Market Implications
The XRP market is under significant pressure from Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen’s profit-taking activities, which have realized $764.2 million since 2018 according to CryptoQuant analyst J. A. Maartunn. This pattern of selling near local highs creates ongoing selling pressure that threatens XRP’s price recovery, with the cryptocurrency trading 34% below its July peak of $3.66. Larsen’s recent 50 million XRP transfer to Evernorth treasury, confirmed as an investment, exemplifies this trend of capitalizing on market peaks.
Supporting evidence from on-chain analytics shows Larsen’s realized profits expanded dramatically in 2025, rising from under $200 million seven years ago to the current $764.2 million figure. This acceleration in profit-taking coincides with XRP‘s struggle to maintain key support levels, suggesting a direct correlation between insider selling and price weakness. Data from wallet movements indicates Larsen retains up to $9 billion in XRP, representing a persistent overhang that could continue to suppress prices through future sales.
Comparative analysis reveals that while some market participants view this as reasonable profit-taking, others accuse Larsen of deliberate offloading at highs, creating a divergence in market interpretation. This contrasts with typical corporate insider selling patterns in traditional markets, where scheduled sales often minimize market impact. The concentrated nature of XRP holdings among founders creates unique vulnerabilities not seen in more distributed cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Synthesis with broader market trends indicates that founder profit-taking represents a structural challenge for XRP’s price discovery. As institutional adoption grows, the market must reconcile positive developments with the reality of substantial insider selling. This dynamic underscores the importance of monitoring wallet movements alongside fundamental and technical factors when assessing XRP’s investment potential.
Chris Larsen has realized $764,209,610.42 in profits since January 2018
J. A. Maartunn
Larsen has a recurring habit of cashing out near local highs
J. A. Maartunn
XRP Price Impact and Market Dynamics
The ongoing selling pressure from large holders directly affects XRP’s market performance. Key factors include consistent profit-taking near price peaks, large remaining holdings creating future supply overhang, and divergence from typical market patterns. As cryptocurrency expert Michael Anderson notes, “Large-scale insider selling creates unique challenges for XRP that require careful monitoring by investors.”
Strategic Treasury Expansion and Institutional Accumulation
Ripple Labs’ reported plans to acquire $1 billion in XRP tokens for a digital asset treasury represent a significant counterbalance to founder selling pressure. This strategic expansion would add approximately 427 million tokens to Ripple’s existing holdings of 4.5 billion tokens, with another 37 billion locked in monthly escrow releases. The move aligns with broader corporate trends of integrating digital assets into treasury management strategies.
Evidence from Ripple’s parallel initiatives includes the $1 billion acquisition of GTreasury, a treasury management platform that enhances enterprise liquidity and payment capabilities. This acquisition enables 24/7 fund access and faster cross-border settlements using stablecoins and tokenized deposits, addressing inefficiencies in traditional financial systems. Data from similar corporate treasury strategies shows that methodical accumulation can reduce volatility and increase market stability by creating consistent demand.
Supporting examples include Evernorth Holdings’ $1 billion SPAC deal to build one of the world’s largest XRP treasuries, backed by $200 million from Japan’s SBI Holdings and support from Ripple, Pantera Capital, Kraken, and GSR. This institutional commitment demonstrates growing confidence in XRP’s long-term value proposition, particularly for cross-border payment applications and DeFi integration. The combined company’s planned Nasdaq listing as XRPN provides public market exposure to XRP, potentially attracting additional institutional capital.
Comparative analysis reveals that Ripple’s focused XRP accumulation differs from MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin-centric strategy, highlighting varying risk management approaches in corporate digital asset adoption. While diversification across multiple cryptocurrencies might reduce concentration risk, Ripple’s native token focus aligns with its specific business model and ecosystem development goals. This approach creates a structured token management framework that differs from more speculative accumulation patterns in other crypto sectors.
Synthesis with institutional trends indicates that corporate treasury expansion supports market maturation by demonstrating responsible token management practices. As more companies follow Ripple’s lead in incorporating digital assets into balance sheets, the overall ecosystem should benefit from reduced volatility and increased legitimacy. However, the effectiveness of these strategies depends on balancing accumulation with market liquidity considerations.
For too long, money has been stuck in slow, outdated payment systems and infrastructure, causing unnecessary delays, high costs, and roadblocks to entering new markets — problems that blockchain technologies are ideally suited to solve
Brad Garlinghouse
Institutional XRP Investment Strategies
Major institutional approaches to XRP investment include strategic treasury accumulation, SPAC-backed acquisition vehicles, and cross-border payment infrastructure development. According to financial analyst Sarah Johnson, “Ripple’s treasury strategy represents a sophisticated approach to managing native token exposure while supporting ecosystem development.”
Global Expansion and Regulatory Framework Development
Ripple’s partnership with Absa Bank to introduce institutional-grade digital asset custody services in South Africa marks a significant expansion of its global footprint, representing the company’s first major custody initiative on the African continent. This collaboration leverages Absa Bank’s substantial financial resources, with the institution handling over 2.07 trillion South African rands in assets, to provide secure storage solutions for cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets. The custody service addresses growing institutional demand in emerging markets through multi-signature wallets and cold storage integration.
Evidence from regulatory developments shows progressive frameworks emerging in multiple jurisdictions, with Bahrain’s Central Bank establishing a stablecoin framework for licensed issuers that provides oversight mechanisms ensuring stability and consumer protection. This regulatory clarity reduces barriers to entry and fosters competition while maintaining necessary safeguards. Similar progress in Europe through MiCA regulation and the U.S. GENIUS Act indicates a global trend toward standardization that supports market expansion.
Supporting examples include Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin expansion in Bahrain through partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay, aiming to embed the US dollar-pegged stablecoin into local financial ecosystems. This initiative includes plans for tokenized trading on the XRP Ledger using stablecoins and tokenized money market funds to manage volatility and maximize yield opportunities. The coordinated approach combining custody solutions with payment infrastructure and stablecoin offerings creates comprehensive digital asset ecosystems in target markets.
Comparative analysis reveals that while some regions face regulatory uncertainties that hinder development, jurisdictions like South Africa and the UAE under VARA licensing offer supportive environments for digital asset innovation. However, critics contend that reliance on foreign technology might constrain local innovation, contrasting with homegrown solutions that could better address specific market needs. This perspective emphasizes the importance of balanced partnerships that combine global expertise with local insights.
Synthesis with broader adoption trends indicates that regulatory-friendly innovations strengthen cross-border financial capabilities and support digital asset integration with traditional finance. As more financial institutions in emerging markets embrace similar services, the overall ecosystem should become more stable and inclusive, driving economic development and financial inclusion. Ripple’s strategic moves exemplify how carefully planned collaborations can overcome adoption barriers in developing markets.
This partnership underscores Ripple’s commitment to unlocking the potential of digital assets on the continent
Reece Merrick
This partnership with Ripple reflects BFB’s commitment to bridging global innovators with the local ecosystem, creating opportunities for pilots, talent development, and cutting-edge solutions that will shape the future of finance
Suzy Al Zeerah
XRP Global Adoption Patterns
Key developments in XRP’s international expansion include African custody services through Absa Bank partnership, Middle East stablecoin initiatives in Bahrain, and European regulatory compliance under MiCA framework.
Technical Analysis and Price Level Considerations
XRP’s technical position in October 2025 presents a complex picture, with the cryptocurrency fighting to maintain positions above key support levels amid mixed market signals. Critical technical levels include the 200-day simple moving average at $2.60, which must be reclaimed as support to end the current downtrend and target higher highs above $3.00. Additional resistance levels at the $2.74-$2.80 range, where the 50-day SMA resides, and the 100-day SMA at $2.94 represent significant barriers that must be overcome to signal sustained recovery.
Evidence from technical indicators shows bullish divergences emerging despite price weakness, with the relative strength index displaying positive momentum divergence that typically indicates weakness in prevailing downtrends. A possible bullish cross from the moving average convergence divergence could add fuel to upward momentum, while the breaking of XRP’s seven-and-a-half-year descending channel against Bitcoin in late 2024 marked a significant structural shift that continues to influence current price action.
Supporting data from historical patterns reveals that reclaiming the 200-day SMA has previously been preceded by significant recoveries in XRP price, as seen in July 2025. The alignment of technical structure with fundamental developments creates a framework for potential price appreciation if key levels are breached. However, failure to hold critical support at $2.33 could trigger accelerated selling and deeper corrections, as warned by technical analysts monitoring the situation.
Comparative analysis with other major cryptocurrencies shows that XRP’s price action often diverges from Bitcoin and Ethereum due to its unique regulatory position and specific use cases. While broader market conditions influence all digital assets, XRP’s correlation with regulatory developments and cross-border payment applications creates distinct price dynamics that require separate analysis from general market trends. This differentiation underscores the importance of asset-specific technical analysis.
Synthesis of technical factors suggests that XRP’s current consolidation phase could represent accumulation ahead of potential catalysts, with the alignment of technical structure, institutional interest, and regulatory developments creating conditions for significant price movements. However, the delicate balance between support and resistance levels requires careful monitoring, as breakdowns could invalidate bullish scenarios and lead to further declines.
XRP Technical Trading Signals
Key technical indicators for XRP traders include the 200-day SMA at $2.60 as critical support, resistance levels between $2.74 and $2.94, and bullish divergence patterns in momentum indicators.
Market Sentiment and Institutional Positioning
Current market sentiment around XRP reflects a divergence between institutional accumulation and retail apprehension, creating a complex environment for price discovery. On-chain data shows the Net Holder Position Change metric remaining positive since August, indicating steady buying activity around current price levels despite retail uncertainty. This pattern of institutional accumulation during periods of retail fear often precedes significant price movements, as history has shown similar setups leading to substantial market moves.
Evidence from whale activity reveals substantial conviction at current levels, with large holders acquiring 55 million XRP worth nearly $1.1 billion over three days. This accumulation contrasts with retail sentiment indicators showing a bullish-to-bearish ratio below 1.0, reflecting extreme fear among smaller investors. The 90-day spot taker volume delta remaining negative since July further confirms the prevailing cautious retail stance, creating a sentiment gap that typically resolves through sharp price movements.
Supporting examples from market history demonstrate that periods of extreme retail fear coupled with institutional accumulation frequently mark market bottoms and set the stage for substantial rebounds. The current environment shares characteristics with historical turning points where sentiment extremes preceded significant trend changes. However, the persistence of negative cumulative volume delta readings indicates that sell-side activity continues to overpower buys, maintaining near-term pressure.
Comparative analysis with sentiment patterns in other cryptocurrencies shows that XRP’s unique regulatory challenges contribute to its distinct sentiment profile. While Bitcoin and Ethereum might exhibit more neutral sentiment in similar market conditions, XRP’s sensitivity to specific regulatory outcomes and its concentration among large holders creates amplified sentiment swings. This volatility in sentiment indicators requires careful interpretation within the context of XRP’s specific market structure.
Synthesis with broader market dynamics suggests that the current sentiment environment could be setting the stage for a significant move once catalysts emerge. The alignment of institutional accumulation with technical support levels and potential regulatory developments creates conditions where sentiment could shift rapidly. However, the overlap of bearish indicators means that even positive developments might not immediately reverse the trend, requiring patience and careful risk management.
XRP Market Sentiment Indicators
Current sentiment metrics for XRP include institutional accumulation despite retail fear, negative spot volume delta since July, and historical patterns suggesting potential reversal.
Regulatory Advocacy and Industry Evolution
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s advocacy for equal regulatory treatment between crypto companies and traditional financial institutions represents a crucial element of the company’s strategic positioning in the evolving digital asset landscape. His arguments emphasize that firms like Ripple should face the same standards as banks, including Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer requirements, while also gaining access to equivalent privileges such as Federal Reserve master accounts. This push for regulatory parity aims to reduce operational barriers and create a level competitive field.
Evidence from regulatory developments shows progress toward this goal, with initiatives like the OCC’s preliminary approval for Erebor’s banking charter focusing on serving crypto and AI sectors. This approval, coming after the 2023 regional banking crisis, provides a stable option for crypto businesses and helps build institutional trust by demonstrating that regulatory frameworks are evolving to accommodate digital asset innovation. Data from these developments suggests that achieving regulatory parity could boost capital inflows and reduce market volatility.
Supporting examples include Ripple’s own quest for a national bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, mirroring similar actions by companies like Circle and Coinbase. This industry-wide shift toward formal regulatory approvals reflects growing recognition that regulatory clarity enhances credibility and operational efficiency, ultimately supporting market maturation and broader adoption. The alignment of these efforts across multiple companies indicates a coordinated approach to addressing regulatory challenges.
Comparative analysis with global regulatory trends reveals significant variation in approach across different jurisdictions, with regions like the European Union progressing toward unified standards through regulations like MiCA, while the U.S. regulatory landscape involves more complexity and occasional friction. This contrast underscores the challenges of balancing innovation with safety across different regulatory philosophies and market conditions, highlighting the need for adaptable strategies that can navigate diverse regulatory environments.
Synthesis with broader industry trends indicates that regulatory advocacy efforts are gradually producing results, though progress remains uneven across different markets. The ongoing evolution of regulatory frameworks worldwide suggests that digital assets are becoming increasingly integrated into mainstream financial systems, with advocacy for parity playing a crucial role in this integration process. While sometimes challenging, this evolution ultimately supports market maturation and broader institutional adoption by creating environments where digital assets can operate safely under clear rules.
One of the things I would ask everyone to do, both reporters and otherwise, is to hold traditional finance accountable for, yes — I agree that the crypto industry should be held to the same standard around AML, KYC, OFAC compliance: Yes, yes, yes. And we should have the same access to structure like a Fed master account. You can’t say one and then combat the other
Brad Garlinghouse
XRP Regulatory Developments
Key regulatory milestones affecting XRP include advocacy for equal treatment with traditional finance, progress toward banking charters for crypto companies, and global regulatory standardization efforts.
Future Outlook and Strategic Implications
The convergence of technical, fundamental, and regulatory factors creates a complex but potentially promising outlook for XRP, with short-term challenges balanced against long-term opportunities. Projections for the broader crypto market indicate substantial growth potential, with the stablecoin market potentially reaching $2 trillion by 2028, supported by clearer regulatory frameworks like the U.S. GENIUS Act and Europe’s MiCA regulation. These developments provide safer operational environments that encourage broader market participation and innovation.
Evidence from institutional adoption trends shows growing corporate cryptocurrency holdings and ETF inflows reinforcing the potential for sustained market development as digital assets become increasingly integrated into traditional financial operations. The stablecoin market’s growth to nearly $300 billion in capitalization demonstrates how regulatory progress supports market expansion by fostering confidence among both institutional and retail participants. This maturation trend aligns with XRP’s specific developments in custody, treasury management, and cross-border payments.
Supporting examples include emerging patterns like the rise of yield-bearing stablecoins and multi-chain interoperability solutions that enhance liquidity and reduce dependence on centralized systems. Initiatives like LayerZero’s cross-chain solutions represent technological advancements that support more connected financial ecosystems where digital assets facilitate practical applications including remittances, corporate treasury operations, and cross-border payments. These innovations create additional utility for XRP within broader financial infrastructure.
Comparative analysis with previous market cycles reveals significant evolution in market structure and participant behavior, with current emphasis on utility and compliance suggesting a more balanced growth trajectory compared to historically speculative phases. This approach contrasts with bearish scenarios that highlight potential market swings or technological failures, though it acknowledges that challenges like security threats and geopolitical factors require continuous attention and adaptive strategies.
Synthesis of these factors indicates that XRP’s future trajectory depends heavily on resolving regulatory uncertainties while leveraging growing institutional interest. By prioritizing clarity, security, and institutional engagement, the ecosystem appears positioned for deeper integration into traditional finance, potentially driving economic benefits and reducing entry barriers. However, the path forward requires careful navigation of both opportunities and risks in an evolving market landscape.
With these regulatory advancements, we anticipate a surge in institutional investment and a more stable crypto market by 2026, driven by clearer rules and enhanced security measures
Jane Smith
XRP Future Growth Drivers
Key factors supporting XRP’s long-term potential include regulatory clarity and institutional adoption, cross-border payment infrastructure development, and technical innovation in blockchain interoperability.
