XRP Whale Activity Surges to Multi-Month High, Signaling Renewed Institutional Confidence
Ripple's XRP is witnessing a powerful resurgence in large-scale investor activity, marking a significant shift in market sentiment. On-chain data reveals that transactions exceeding $100,000 have reached their highest volume since October 2025, a clear indicator of returning institutional capital. The surge peaked with 2,170 whale transactions recorded on January 5, 2026, followed by an even more substantial 2,802 transactions the subsequent day. This dramatic increase in XRP Ledger activity, as tracked by Santiment, points to a rebuilding of confidence among major holders and potentially sophisticated investors. The timing of this rebound is particularly noteworthy, suggesting that key market participants are positioning themselves ahead of anticipated developments or in response to resolving regulatory uncertainties. Such concentrated buying pressure from 'whales' often precedes broader market movements and can provide underlying support for the asset's price. This activity underscores XRP's enduring appeal within the digital asset ecosystem for large-scale transactions and institutional-grade portfolios. The resurgence highlights a maturing market phase where fundamental utility and ledger activity are becoming primary drivers of interest, beyond mere speculation. As the cryptocurrency sector continues to evolve in early 2026, XRP's demonstrated network strength and renewed investor engagement position it as a key asset to watch in the ongoing convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology.
Ripple’s XRP Sees Surge in Whale Transactions as Investor Confidence Returns
Ripple’s XRP is experiencing a notable resurgence in large-scale investor activity, with on-chain transactions exceeding $100,000 reaching their highest levels since October 2025. Data from Santiment reveals a sharp spike in XRP Ledger activity, with 2,170 whale transactions recorded on January 5, 2026, followed by 2,802 the next day—a clear signal of renewed institutional interest.
The rebound coincides with XRP’s price recovery from December lows, suggesting whales are accumulating during market stabilization. This surge in high-value transactions mirrors broader cryptocurrency market trends, where capital is rotating back into established assets after recent volatility.
Analysts interpret the movement as a bullish divergence: while retail participation remains subdued, institutional players appear to be positioning for the next market cycle. The XRP Ledger’s infrastructure continues to attract enterprise use cases, further validating its long-term viability beyond speculative trading.
Ripple Secures UK Electronic Money Licence Through FCA Approval
Ripple, the cross-border payments network, has obtained an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) authorization in the UK through its subsidiary, Ripple Markets UK Ltd. The approval, granted by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on January 9, follows Ripple's July 2023 application and its legal victory against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over the classification of XRP.
The licence enables Ripple to comply with UK anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. It also paves the way for expanded partnerships with banks, payment providers, and institutional clients. However, the FCA has restricted Ripple from operating crypto ATMs or serving retail customers without additional approvals.
XRP, the cryptocurrency integral to Ripple's payment systems, saw a modest price increase following the announcement. The FCA's green light marks a strategic expansion for Ripple into regulated markets, though its activities remain tightly circumscribed.
XRP Short-Term Holders Retreat as Market Sentiment Cools
XRP's brief rebound above $2 has failed to fully restore market confidence. On-chain data reveals a notable shift among short-term holders, who are now reducing exposure amid choppy price action. The supply held by these investors has dipped from 5.75% to 4.9% in just seven days, signaling growing caution.
Analysts interpret this as profit-taking behavior, with speculative momentum waning. Steph is Crypto highlights the trend, noting its resemblance to risk management strategies during sideways markets. The altcoin's struggle to sustain upward traction underscores broader uncertainty in crypto markets.
XRP Faces Key Test at $1.95 Support After Three-Day Decline
XRP's 10.5% weekly gain—the strongest among top-five cryptocurrencies—has hit a wall at the $2.35 resistance level. The token's rejection at its 200-day exponential moving average suggests lingering bearish pressure, though the broader structure hints at a potential trend reversal if critical support holds.
Trading volumes surged during the rally before meeting concentrated selling pressure. Market participants now watch the $1.95 level closely—a breach WOULD confirm continued seller dominance, while a rebound could validate the nascent uptrend. The ETF market echoes this tension, with XRP funds recording their first net outflows since US listings began.
