XRP News Today: Institutional Moves and SAMA Pact Position XRP for Big ETF-Driven Repricing

XRP is gaining renewed attention in the cryptocurrency market, driven by a combination of institutional activity, cross-border payment innovations, and speculative price movements. A recent $700 million whale transfer linked to Kraken has signaled increased institutional interest, with the move suggesting accumulation and readiness for potential liquidity events [2]. This follows a broader trend where major exchanges like Binance, Bitget, and Bybit are maintaining or increasing their XRP holdings, while Coinbase has reduced its reserves by approximately 83% from 60 to 10 cold wallets, down from 970 million to 165 million XRP [1]. The reduced exchange supply may contribute to tighter liquidity, potentially supporting price stability or upward movement.

XRP's price currently hovers near $2.81, down from a July high of $3.65 but still up more than 400% year-to-date [1]. Technical indicators show a bearish RSI of 44, while the asset is consolidating just below key resistance at $3.50. A breakout could lead to a test of $5, with further upside contingent on sustained momentum and increased volume [2]. On the downside, a breakdown below $2.75 raises the risk of a pullback to $2.65, with continued correlation to Bitcoin’s price performance. If Bitcoin recovers to $112,000 or higher, XRP is expected to follow suit, whereas a decline in BTC could pull XRP down to as low as $2.00 [2].

A significant development for XRP’s long-term utility is the ongoing collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA). In September 2025, SAMA conducted a pilot using Ripple’s xCurrent technology, which facilitates real-time cross-border payments without the need for intermediaries such as SWIFT. This initiative, which began as early as 2018, has progressed from a test to an operational integration in Saudi banks [2]. Analysts estimate that the adoption of Ripple’s technology could save Saudi banks between $200 million to $400 million annually by reducing transaction costs. This real-world application strengthens XRP’s narrative as a viable solution for institutional and cross-border payments, reinforcing its value proposition beyond speculative trading.

The potential approval of XRP-based ETFs also remains a critical catalyst. Several major financial institutions, including WisdomTree, 21Shares, and Franklin Templeton, have submitted filings for spot XRP ETFs, with expected approval by October 2025 [3]. If approved, analysts anticipate institutional inflows could exceed $5 billion in the first month, significantly boosting demand and liquidity. Given that approximately 36 billion XRP tokens are currently locked in escrow and the circulating supply is heavily concentrated among large holders, the influx of institutional capital could drive sharp repricing and price volatility.

On-chain activity further supports a bullish near-term outlook. Whale transfers from cold storage to hot wallets, such as the recent $706 million move linked to Kraken, suggest strategic positioning ahead of potential market shifts. These transfers are often associated with accumulation phases, indicating that major investors are preparing for higher volatility and liquidity events. Additionally, macroeconomic factors, including the anticipated 25-basis-point Federal Reserve rate cut, could provide a liquidity tailwind for XRP and other digital assets, reinforcing the asset’s appeal during periods of monetary easing.

In conclusion, XRP is at a pivotal juncture driven by institutional adoption, cross-border payment innovation, and speculative trading dynamics. While short-term volatility and resistance levels pose challenges, the broader structural tailwinds—including SAMA’s integration, ETF prospects, and macroeconomic conditions—suggest a bullish trajectory for the asset in the coming months.

Source: [1] Coinbase Dumps 83% XRP; Reserves Down From 60 To ... (https://dailycoin.com/coinbase-dumps-80-xrp-reserves-down-from-60-to-10-wallets) [2] XRP Gains Spotlight as SAMA Trial Redefines Cross- ... (https://coinfomania.com/xrp-price-forecast-700m-whale-move-2025) [3] Ripple XRP Price Forecast: $706M Whale Transfer Signals ... (https://www.tradingnews.com/news/ripple-xrp-price-forecast-706m-usd-whale-transfer-signals-next-xrp-usd-price-surge)