XRP whale wallets hit record high as price stalls near $1.45

XRP’s on‑chain whale count has risen to a historic 332,230 wallets holding at least 10,000 tokens, yet the price stays trapped just below the $1.45 resistance level [1]. The surge in large‑holder activity, documented since June 2024, coincides with a technical setup that could push the token toward $2 if the resistance breaks [2].

Key takeaways

• 332,230 XRP wallets now hold ≥10,000 tokens, the highest count on record [1].
• Whale accumulation includes 1.2 billion XRP added in Q1 2026, the largest quarterly net since 2023 [1].
• Monthly XRPL transactions hit a fresh all‑time high of 71 million in April 2024, indicating growing network usage [2].
• Price must break the $1.50 resistance to unlock further upside toward $2 [2].
• The Senate Banking Committee’s CLARITY Act markup on May 14 could determine whether institutional capital follows the whales [1].

Whale accumulation outpaces price moves

Santiment data shows the whale cohort has grown uninterrupted since June 2024, adding roughly 15,000 new wallets between November 2025 and May 2026 [1]. The next tier up—wallets holding ≥1 million XRP—added 42 new addresses in 2026 and amassed 1.2 billion XRP in Q1, the strongest quarterly inflow since 2023 [1]. Despite this buying pressure, the token slipped below $1.45 and is trading in the $1.42‑$1.45 range, down about 2% over the past 24 hours [1]. Glassnode data indicates that roughly 60% of circulating supply sits at an average cost basis of $1.44, creating a dense supply wall just above $1.45 [1].

Technical and regulatory backdrop

Chart analysis points to an ascending triangle that has capped XRP’s price since early February, with resistance converging near $1.50‑$1.55 [2]. Analysts note that a clear break above $1.50, ideally toward $1.60, is needed for a short‑term rally, while a move past $2 could trigger a stronger uptrend [2]. The upcoming CLARITY Act markup—scheduled for May 14—could provide the regulatory certainty that institutional investors seek. The bill aims to codify the SEC‑CFTC joint commodity classification of XRP, potentially unlocking billions in ETF inflows [1]. If passed, Standard Chartered projects $4‑$8 billion in cumulative XRP ETF inflows by year‑end, a multiple of current inflows [1].

Why it matters

The record whale count signals sustained confidence among high‑conviction investors, even as price resistance and a sizable sell wall limit upside [1]. The decisive factor appears to be institutional participation, which hinges on the CLARITY Act’s outcome. A favorable vote could align institutional capital with the whales, breaking the $1.45‑$1.50 barrier and enabling the technical breakout toward $2. Conversely, a stalled bill would likely keep XRP confined to the $1.30‑$1.44 range until another catalyst emerges. Monitoring the CLARITY Act vote and subsequent ETF activity will be crucial for assessing whether the whale accumulation translates into broader market momentum.