Quick Breakdown
- XRP wallets holding over 1 million tokens have increased by 42 since January 1, signaling renewed large-holder interest.
- Smart money XRP accumulation is up 11.55% over the past month, according to Nansen data.
- Analysts are divided on near-term price action as regulatory and macro uncertainty weigh on altcoins.
The number of XRP wallets holding at least 1 million tokens has been steadily climbing since the start of the year, a trend that could support the asset’s long-term outlook even as its price remains under pressure, according to on-chain data.
🐳🦈 XRP’s price is down a modest -4% since the start of 2026, but its amount of ‘millionaire’ wallets are rising for the first time since September. A net of +42 wallets with at least 1M $XRP have returned to the ledger, an encouraging sign for the long-term. pic.twitter.com/nmB4hCxtZO
— Santiment (@santimentfeed) January 28, 2026
Crypto analytics firm Santiment said XRP has slipped about 4% since the beginning of 2026, but large-holder activity is showing early signs of recovery. The platform noted that the count of so-called “millionaire” wallets has begun rising for the first time since September, a development often watched closely by traders looking for long-term accumulation signals.
Large holders quietly return to XRP
Santiment reported that 42 wallets holding more than 1 million XRP have reappeared on the ledger since January 1, calling the shift “an encouraging sign for the long term.” At XRP’s price of around $1.87, each of these wallets represents holdings worth roughly $1.87 million, based on CoinMarketCap data.
Accumulation isn’t limited to passive holders. Data from Nansen shows that “smart money” wallets, traders with a track record of strong returns, have increased their XRP exposure by 11.55% over the past 30 days, suggesting growing confidence among experienced market participants.
Analysts divided as macro pressure weighs on altcoins
Market watchers remain split on XRP’s near-term direction. Crypto trader CW said in a post on X that XRP appears close to breaking through a major selling wall, arguing that strong net buying and a trend reversal could push the price toward $2.30 if resistance gives way.
Meanwhile, asset manager 21Shares recently pointed to XRP’s history of long consolidation phases followed by sharp breakouts. The firm said improving regulatory clarity and rising institutional interest could leave the network positioned for further gains.
Broader market indicators also suggest caution. The CoinMarketCap Altcoin Season Index currently shows a Bitcoin dominance score of 31 out of 100, signaling that Bitcoin continues to outperform most major altcoins.
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