ZKP, BTC, and XRP's Surging Trading Volumes on Upbit Amid Market Volatility: Assessing Short-Term Investment Opportunities in High-Liquidity Altcoins and Bitcoin

In late December 2025, South Korea's Upbit exchange witnessed a dramatic surge in trading volumes for ZKP, BTC, and XRP, driven by a confluence of institutional endorsements, speculative fervor, and exchange-specific catalysts. This volatility, occurring against a backdrop of broader market uncertainty and regulatory scrutiny, presents both opportunities and risks for traders navigating high-liquidity altcoins and Bitcoin.

ZKP: Institutional Credibility and Liquidity Catalysts

The listing of zkPass (ZKP) on Upbit on December 26, 2025, marked a pivotal event. By offering ZKP/KRW, ZKP/BTC, and ZKP/USDT trading pairs, Upbit's compliance-driven approach signaled institutional legitimacy, attracting retail and institutional investors alike. Data from the exchange indicates that ZKP/KRW accounted for 11.38% of Upbit's total trading volume during this period. The token's price surged 35% following the listing, underscoring the market's appetite for zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology, a sector gaining traction amid growing demand for privacy-centric solutions.

This surge was not isolated. ZKP, BTC, and XRP temporarily occupied the top three spots on Upbit's 24-hour trading volume leaderboard, reflecting a broader trend of liquidity aggregation around assets with clear use cases and regulatory clarity. For traders, ZKP's rapid price discovery and high liquidity make it a compelling short-term play, particularly for those leveraging scalp trading or arbitrage strategies.

BTC: The Benchmark Amid Volatility

Bitcoin (BTC) maintained its dominance on Upbit's volume rankings, a testament to its role as a benchmark asset during turbulent markets. Despite a 60% decline in overall crypto trading volumes in December 2025 compared to November, BTC's presence in the top three trading pairs highlights its function as a safe-haven asset. Traders often use BTC as a hedge against altcoin volatility, and its liquidity-coupled with its status as a store of value-makes it a cornerstone for diversified short-term portfolios according to market analysis.

XRP: Panic Buying and Regional Dynamics

XRP's trading volume on Upbit spiked to $1.55 billion over a seven-day period in late December 2025, driven by panic buying and regional demand in South Korea. Technical indicators, such as a decline in exchange-held supply, further fueled speculation about a potential price rebound. While XRP lagged behind BTC in market capitalization, its 10.38% share of Upbit's $13.39 billion 24-hour trading volume demonstrated its quiet liquidity accumulation. For traders, XRP's volatility offers opportunities for high-frequency trading and leveraged positions, though its susceptibility to regulatory shifts-particularly in the U.S.-remains a critical risk factor according to market experts.

Strategic Implications for Traders

The surge in ZKP, BTC, and XRP trading volumes on Upbit underscores the importance of liquidity dynamics in volatile markets. Scalping and arbitrage strategies, which exploit minute-by-minute price inefficiencies, are particularly effective in such environments. For instance, ZKP's 53% price surge within an hour of its listing exemplifies the potential for rapid gains in high-liquidity assets. However, traders must balance these opportunities with risk management, as panic-driven buying as seen in XRP's case can lead to over-speculation and sharp corrections.

Risks and Regulatory Considerations

While the surges in ZKP, BTC, and XRP volumes are enticing, they are not without risks. South Korea's broader 60% decline in crypto trading volumes in December 2025 highlights seasonal trends and regulatory headwinds, including the country's ongoing scrutiny of exchanges like Korbit according to exchange reports. Additionally, ZKP's reliance on Upbit's listing and XRP's exposure to U.S. regulatory debates necessitate close monitoring of policy developments according to market analysts.

Conclusion

The late 2025 trading volume surges for ZKP, BTC, and XRP on Upbit reflect a market in flux, driven by institutional adoption, regional demand, and speculative behavior. For traders, these dynamics present opportunities to capitalize on high-liquidity assets through scalping, arbitrage, and short-term positioning. However, success hinges on rigorous risk management and a nuanced understanding of regulatory and technical factors. As the crypto landscape evolves, assets like ZKP and XRP-alongside BTC-will remain focal points for those navigating volatility with precision.