Major Exchanges Accumulate Over 1 Billion XRP Tokens

Major cryptocurrency exchanges, including coinbase, have been quietly accumulating significant amounts of XRP. According to a recent post by crypto commentator Brett, these platforms now collectively hold over one billion XRP tokens, which represents more than 3.4% of the token’s circulating supply. This development has sparked interest and speculation about the future of XRP, particularly as it gains renewed attention from institutional investors and regulatory bodies.

While much of the crypto market's focus has been on Bitcoin ETFs and Ethereum’s market movements, XRP has been steadily reclaiming ground in terms of price stability and institutional involvement. The observation by Brett highlights a trend that may have gone unnoticed: key centralized exchanges have been significantly increasing their XRP reserves. This suggests that these platforms are strategically positioning themselves ahead of potential market or regulatory shifts.

Coinbase, which has a complex history with XRP—including delisting the token during the SEC lawsuit against Ripple—appears to be among the platforms ramping up their holdings. The fact that these assets are being retained rather than offloaded into open markets indicates rising confidence among platforms that XRP could soon see a resurgence in demand. This could be ahead of ETF decisions or future utility integrations.

The accumulation of over one billion XRP by exchanges has significant implications for the market. This volume represents a notable percentage of the asset’s available supply and underscores how centralized entities may exert more influence over XRP’s liquidity and price dynamics than previously anticipated. If these exchanges choose to deploy these assets in institutional products or custodial services, the impact on market depth and supply-side pressures could be profound.

This level of control suggests that exchanges may be preparing for heightened demand, possibly in anticipation of clearer regulatory guidance or new market products. The recent wave of ETF applications tied to XRP—with filings from Grayscale, 21Shares, Bitwise, and Franklin Templeton—hints at the possibility of XRP entering a new era of mainstream financial exposure. If approved, such products would necessitate significant XRP liquidity—a role these exchanges could strategically fulfill.

This accumulation also reflects a deeper shift in sentiment toward XRP. Once the subject of controversy and uncertainty during the height of its legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), XRP is slowly regaining institutional credibility. The landmark July 2023 ruling by Judge Analisa Torres, which confirmed that XRP is not a security when sold on public exchanges, marked a turning point. With the SEC now dropping its appeal and the Ripple vs. SEC case paused for settlement discussions, there is renewed optimism around XRP’s regulatory clarity—a vital prerequisite for broader institutional adoption.

As such, it’s no coincidence that exchanges are positioning themselves more aggressively in the XRP market. They may be preparing for a future where XRP becomes a core component of cross-border settlements, tokenized asset transfers, and regulated crypto investment vehicles. Whether these XRP accumulations by Coinbase and its peers are a sign of upcoming product launches, hedging strategies, or simple conviction in XRP’s long-term value, one thing is clear: major players are no longer standing still.

As retail and institutional investors look to navigate the rapidly evolving crypto landscape, the movements of exchanges like Coinbase can serve as a powerful signal of what’s to come. With over a billion XRP quietly tucked away in these platforms’ reserves, the stage may be set for a significant revaluation in XRP price and position within the broader financial ecosystem.

Ask Aime: How does the accumulation of XRP by major exchanges impact the cryptocurrency market and XRP's future prospects?