XRP whales are making waves again, unloading significant amounts of the cryptocurrency on the market. This activity, captured in the latest “Whale Flow” data from CryptoQuant, suggests a renewed phase of distribution by these large holders, according to on-chain analyst Maartunn. Sharing insights on the platform X, Maartunn succinctly noted, “🚨XRP Whales are selling heavily. It’s clear distribution. On-chain data tells the story. In data, we trust.”
Whale Activity Unveiled
The data reveals a pronounced shift in whale behavior. The “Whale Flow” chart, which smooths out large-holder activity over a 30-day moving average, currently shows deep negative bars. This signals net outflows from whale cohorts, a pattern that emerged as XRP prices surged past notable thresholds. When XRP soared from $1 in late December 2024 to $3.40 by mid-January 2025, the whale flow turned sharply negative. Through February and March 2025, the net flow reached a nadir, between −60 million and −70 million XRP—a stark contrast on the multi-year chart.
But here’s the twist: from April to June 2025, a brief positive flow coincided with a cooler market, where XRP prices dipped below $2.00 and hovered between $2.00 and $2.60. During this period, whales seemingly paused their selling spree, perhaps waiting for a more opportune time. However, as XRP regained its footing—climbing back above $2.60 in mid-July—the negative flow resumed, with net outflows of −40 million to −50 million XRP by August.
Implications for the Market
These movements raise intriguing questions. Are whales simply cashing in on high prices, or is there a strategic play at work? The correlation between whale activity and price dynamics is evident. As Maartunn highlights, the most significant negative prints in early 2025 followed the price breakout from $1 to above $3, indicative of profit-taking by large holders. Meanwhile, the positive flow from April to June suggests whales were more cautious when the market softened, reducing their selling pressure. This pattern of whale behavior mirrors similar trends seen in other cryptocurrencies, as discussed in our recent coverage of Cardano whales’ accumulation spree.
Yet, interpreting this data isn’t straightforward. Whale-flow metrics consolidate transfers from large addresses, which means they might not distinguish between different types of transactions, such as exchange internalization or OTC deals. Plus, the 30-day smoothing introduces a lag, potentially masking abrupt changes in whale behavior.
Looking Ahead
Despite these complexities, the prevailing trend is clear: large-balance holders are still net sellers, contributing to a substantial supply overhang in the market. For the trend to shift, either the negative flow needs to ease, or external demand must rise to absorb the excess supply. This situation is reminiscent of the recent natural rotation from Bitcoin to Ether by crypto whales, highlighting the strategic maneuvers by large holders across the crypto space.
Maartunn’s analysis encapsulates the current state: “It’s clear distribution… On-chain data tells the story.” As of now, XRP trades around $3.00, poised at a critical juncture. Whether this distribution continues or the market finds new equilibrium remains to be seen.
With the XRP landscape in flux, investors and analysts alike will be watching closely. The actions of these whales could set the tone for the cryptocurrency’s short-term trajectory, raising the stakes for all involved in this ever-evolving market.
Source
This article is based on: XRP Whales Unload Massive Bags: Distribution Or Trap?
Further Reading
Deepen your understanding with these related articles:
- Whale Indicators Show a New Price Direction For Bitcoin
- What Crypto Whales Are Buying After Powell’s Jackson Hole Speech
- XRP Hit With 101,445% Liquidation Imbalance First Time Ever, Rare Death Cross Threatens Bitcoin, SHIB Burns Rocket 2,196% — Crypto News Digest
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
