The Ripple-native cryptocurrency, XRP, is capturing renewed market attention following a staggering 400% surge in network activity since early March 2025. Trading at $2.38 after testing resistance near $2.59, XRP is showing strong signs of momentum driven by rising on-chain engagement, growing whale accumulation, and evolving regulatory clarity. With active addresses reaching levels not seen since April 2023 and institutional interest building, many investors are asking: Is XRP poised for a major price rally?
This article explores the latest developments behind XRP’s resurgence, analyzes key on-chain metrics, and evaluates the potential for future growth amid shifting regulatory landscapes.
Record-Breaking On-Chain Activity
According to blockchain analyst Ali Martinez, the XRP Ledger has seen 627,000 active addresses—the highest level in nearly a year. This spike in user engagement signals growing confidence among retail and institutional participants alike.
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Such a dramatic increase in activity often precedes significant price movements. Historically, sustained spikes in address activity correlate with periods of accumulation and increased transaction volume—both bullish indicators. The fact that this growth follows a prolonged period of relative dormancy suggests that new demand is entering the ecosystem.
What’s driving this surge? One major factor is the reduction in regulatory uncertainty. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently dropped its appeal in the long-running Ripple lawsuit, marking a pivotal win for the company and the broader crypto industry.
While Judge Analisa Torres’ ruling still restricts Ripple from selling XRP directly to institutional investors, it affirms that XRP itself is not a security when sold to the general public—a critical distinction that opens doors for future financial products.
Whales Accumulate: 46.4 Billion XRP Now Held by Major Investors
On-chain data reveals another powerful bullish signal: whale wallets are aggressively accumulating XRP. According to analytics platform Santiment, large holders—those with at least one million XRP—now collectively control 46.4 billion tokens, representing a 6.5% increase over the past two months.
This accumulation trend underscores strong conviction among deep-pocketed investors who typically act on long-term fundamentals rather than short-term volatility.
Moreover, the number of unique active wallets has grown sixfold compared to previous months, indicating broader participation across different investor tiers. When both whales and retail users move in the same direction, it often amplifies market momentum.
Such coordinated behavior suggests that confidence in XRP’s utility and regulatory trajectory is solidifying. With more entities willing to hold and transact in XRP, the network effect strengthens—potentially setting the stage for exponential growth.
Derivatives Market Signals Stability and Optimism
In the derivatives space, XRP is holding steady around $2.38, with increasing open interest in options contracts set to expire on March 28. Notably, in-the-money (ITM) call options are leading the way, indicating that traders are positioning for upside movement.
A rise in call option activity typically reflects bullish sentiment. When traders buy calls, they’re betting that the price will rise above a certain strike level before expiration. The growing interest in these instruments suggests that professional market participants see room for XRP to climb—possibly beyond its recent $2.59 resistance level.
Additionally, the dismissal of the SEC’s appeal has reduced legal overhang, making XRP a more attractive asset for structured financial products. This shift was further validated when Bitnomial successfully launched the first CFTC-regulated XRP futures contract in the U.S., a move that enhances institutional accessibility and market legitimacy.
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Futures products provide hedging tools, improve price discovery, and attract traditional finance players—all of which contribute to long-term market maturity.
The Road to an XRP ETF: A Real Possibility?
One of the most anticipated developments in the XRP ecosystem is the potential launch of an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF). Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently stated in a Bloomberg interview that an XRP spot ETF could gain regulatory approval by late 2025.
While no formal application has been filed yet, Garlinghouse expressed optimism, citing the SEC’s evolving stance and Ripple’s favorable court rulings as key enablers.
An ETF would allow mainstream investors to gain exposure to XRP through traditional brokerage accounts—similar to how Bitcoin ETFs operate. This kind of accessibility could drive massive inflows, especially from pension funds, asset managers, and retail investors who avoid direct crypto ownership due to custody concerns.
For context, after the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024, billions of dollars flowed into the market within weeks. If a similar pattern repeats with XRP, the impact could be transformative.
Why XRP Stands Out Among Altcoins
Santiment’s research highlights a crucial point: XRP operates independently of broader altcoin market trends. Unlike many cryptocurrencies that move in lockstep with Bitcoin or Ethereum, XRP shows distinct behavioral patterns driven by its own ecosystem dynamics.
This independence stems from XRP’s core use case: fast, low-cost cross-border payments. Ripple partners with banks and financial institutions worldwide to facilitate real-time settlements using XRP as a bridge currency. As global adoption grows—especially in emerging markets with inefficient payment systems—demand for XRP increases organically.
This fundamental utility differentiates XRP from speculative assets and positions it as a long-term player in the financial infrastructure space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the 400% surge in XRP network activity?
The surge is primarily attributed to reduced regulatory uncertainty after the SEC dropped its appeal, combined with growing adoption of Ripple’s payment solutions and increased investor confidence.
How many active addresses does XRP have now?
As of March 2025, there are approximately 627,000 active XRP addresses—the highest level since April 2023—indicating strong user engagement.
Are whales really buying more XRP?
Yes. Large holders now control 46.4 billion XRP tokens, up 6.5% in two months. This accumulation suggests strong belief in XRP’s future value.
Could an XRP ETF be approved?
Ripple’s CEO believes a spot ETF could be approved by late 2025, especially given recent legal clarity. While not guaranteed, the odds have improved significantly.
Is XRP correlated with other cryptocurrencies?
No. Data shows XRP moves independently of most altcoins, driven instead by its unique use case in global payments and institutional adoption.
What’s next for XRP price?
With technical resistance at $2.59 recently tested and strong fundamentals supporting growth, analysts are watching for a breakout. A move toward $3.00 or higher is possible if momentum continues.
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As regulatory headwinds ease and adoption accelerates, XRP is re-emerging as a formidable player in the digital asset space. With surging network activity, whale accumulation, growing derivatives interest, and the prospect of an ETF, the foundation for a sustained rally appears increasingly solid.
While challenges remain—including ongoing restrictions on direct institutional sales—the overall trajectory points toward greater integration into mainstream finance.
For investors seeking assets with real-world utility and improving regulatory clarity, XRP may represent one of the most compelling opportunities in 2025.