Contrasting Moves in XRP Markets: Whale Activity Dims as Bank of America Strengthens ETF Position

XRP‘s market dynamics are sending conflicting messages as substantial deposits to Binance by large holders dwindle, signaling a multi-year low, while Bank of America subtly amplifies its investment in XRP futures ETFs. These developments reveal a downtrend in significant exchange activity by major investors and a cautious rise in institutional engagement within regulated XRP-related products.

Are Whale Activities Vanishing from Binance?

According to insights from CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost, the influx of XRP from whales into Binance has dramatically decreased, hitting a two-year low with the 90-day moving average at $61 million. This figure marks a stark decline from levels like $456 million in early 2025 and $355 million in October, translating to an 87% drop since the beginning of the year.

Further, a month-over-month analysis illustrates a continued decline from $69 million in July to $61 million, indicating an additional 12% decrease in whale deposits. Daily transfer volumes also took a hit, plummeting from 583 million XRP to just 25.3 million XRP, and the monthly cryptocurrency movements by substantial holders decreased by over 34%.

Large inflows into Binance by whales have sharply contracted, reflecting a significant downturn to levels unseen since 2021, with net inflows retaining a positive balance at $18.8 million.

Despite this contraction, it’s crucial to note that lower exchange deposits don’t inherently point to accumulation. Some whales might be moving their assets off-platform or diversifying through alternative markets. Meanwhile, among traders, spot exchange rates linger near $1.06, suggesting relative stability in market structure.

Institutional Interest in XRPI ETF: What’s Growing?

Despite plunging whale deposits to exchanges, activity on the XRP Ledger shows a contrasting trend with a sharp rise in active addresses, climbing more than 84% in just ten days this August. However, this increase in ledger engagement doesn’t necessarily correlate with new investment influxes and might merely indicate heightened on-chain actions or expanded usage.

Bank of America has recorded a slight uptick in its XRPI ETF shares, expanding its holding from 13,000 to 13,260 shares, a minor 2% increase over the last quarter. This reflects a sustained yet modest institutional interest in leveraging futures instead of spot holdings of the cryptocurrency.

“This incremental addition by Bank of America showcases persistent institutional interest, albeit scaled-down, demonstrating a preference for structured and regulated exposure,” an observation noted by the bank’s latest statements.

• XRP whale deposits to Binance fall to levels unseen since 2021.
• Daily inflow volumes take a dramatic plunge, affecting potential sell-side liquidity.
• Institutional interest remains cautiously optimistic, with Bank of America increasing XRPI ETF positions slightly.
• XRP Ledger participation surges, possibly reflecting broader crypto adoption.

The combination of tapered large-scale exchange movements and controlled institutional participation points towards a market reassessing its dynamics, potentially paving the way for new strategic trading patterns. While the market awaits clearer trends, cautious optimism prevails among institutions who seek regulated exposure through futures platforms like XRPI ETFs.