In early 2026, XRP finds itself in a gripping narrative within the blockchain domain due to a notable divergence between its market valuation and the accumulation patterns of major investors. While the altcoin’s value has declined by roughly 4% since the start of the year, there has been a noticeable increase in high-balance wallets, suggesting a strategic shift in investor behavior. Larger stakeholders are accumulating XRP, indicating a potential equilibrium where short-term market volatility intersects with long-term investor expectations.
What Is Driving the Rise in High-Balance Wallets?
Data from Santiment, a blockchain analytics platform, reveals that by January 29, the number of wallets holding at least 1 million XRP grew by 42 since the start of the year. This upward trend, which hasn’t been observed since September 2025, suggests that significant investors prefer accumulation over liquidation. The less pronounced decline in XRP’s price during this phase indicates a meticulous buying strategy rather than indiscriminate distribution.
Current prices place XRP at $1.88, according to CoinGecko. Despite experiencing a 2% drop within the past 24 hours and a 4% decline over the past week, XRP maintains a positive monthly trajectory. However, its price remains approximately 40% lower year-over-year, portraying a cautious sentiment among long-term investors.
Could Regulatory Changes and ETFs Shape 2026 Outcome?
Insights from 21Shares, a cryptocurrency investment firm, offer moderate projections for XRP in 2026. They predict a base level of $2.45, an optimistic potential of $2.70, and a risk-averse evaluation at $1.60. A crucial component of their prognosis is the re-establishment of U.S. institutional access following the resolution of the SEC lawsuit in August 2025.
21Shares also highlighted that spot XRP ETFs have amassed over $1.3 billion in assets within their first month in the U.S. Despite ETFs strengthening demand structurally, they noted that consistent fund inflows and diversified application scenarios are fundamental for enduring price elevation. Ripple‘s RLUSD stablecoin alongside tokenization efforts remain focal points for valuation.
XRP’s technical forecast constrains it within a $1.80 to $2.00 range, with potential upward momentum contingent upon surpassing the latter. The juxtaposition of an increase in large-wallet holders with restrained price movements underscores XRP as a focal altcoin in 2026.
Valuable conclusions include:
- The sustained accumulation by large investors indicates confidence in long-term prospects despite short-term volatility.
- Structural support from ETFs can significantly bolster demand for XRP if complemented by continuous fund inflows.
- Regulatory changes play a pivotal role in shaping access and sentiment towards XRP investments.
Danielle Stark, a spokesperson from 21Shares stated,
“The intersection of institutional readiness and regulatory clarity holds the key to XRP’s robust economic projections this year.”
Observers remain attentive to how these dynamics will continue to play out, shaping investor strategies and the broader blockchain landscape.
