XRP Moves $190 Million in an Instant as Whales Begin ‘Calm Before the Storm’ Transfers

▲ XRP (XRP) / ChatGPT-generated image

In the global cryptocurrency market, more than 100 million XRP were moved in a massive transaction, signaling a major portfolio reshuffle by whales and a potential surge in market volatility.

According to cryptocurrency media outlet Bitcoinist on February 20 (local time), on-chain analytics platform Whale Alert, which tracks large-scale whale transactions, reported that an astronomical 117,143,485 XRP were transferred between anonymous wallets. Valued at approximately $191.2 million at the time of the transfer, the transaction is considered one of the largest single transfers seen in the market in recent months.

The transaction was conducted between unidentified wallets, raising speculation about large-scale accumulation or an over-the-counter deal between institutional investors. While the movement of substantial XRP holdings to off-exchange wallets is generally interpreted as a positive signal suggesting reduced selling pressure and a preference for long-term holding, the unknown identities of the parties involved have heightened market tension.

The activity of major whales did not stop there, extending to inflows into multiple exchanges. Bitcoinist reported that 25 million XRP were deposited into Bitstamp, while another 24 million XRP flowed into Bitso. This suggests that certain players may be positioning funds to secure liquidity or realize short-term profits, signaling changes in the overall circulation flow.

The surge in activity across the XRP Ledger ecosystem comes amid shifting regulatory conditions, including proposed U.S. cryptocurrency market structure legislation. As the legal battle between Ripple and the Securities and Exchange Commission nears its conclusion and a more crypto-friendly stance continues from the White House, large capital appears to be building positions in advance. Institutional investors are accelerating fund movements to manage risks and seize opportunities ahead of greater regulatory clarity.

The bold maneuvers by whales and the transfer of massive volumes clearly reflect market expectations for a reevaluation of XRP’s value. Strategic movements by large wallets, which account for a significant share of circulating supply, are being recorded as critical data influencing the supply-demand balance and price volatility across the broader cryptocurrency market.

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