Author: vitorcherulli

XRP climbed more than 3% this week as large holders accumulated tokens, spot exchange-traded funds attracted fresh inflows, and regulatory optimism strengthened across the crypto market. The token reached an intraday high of $1.1511 before settling near $1.1485. Its market value remained close to $68 billion.

The move followed reports that President Donald Trump accepted an ethics provision linked to Senate negotiations over the Clarity Act. Bitcoin also rose above $66,000, while stronger Asian technology stocks supported broader demand for risk assets.

Whales Build Positions as Retail Wallets Exit

Santiment data showed that wallets holding between 100,000 and 100 million XRP increased their combined balances by 2.8% during the past five weeks. These wallets accumulated while XRP traded between roughly $1.05 and $1.12. Meanwhile, wallets holding less than 0.01 XRP reduced their balances by 5.2% during the same period. The shift created a clear divide between large holders and the smallest retail accounts.

Santiment said XRP has historically followed large-holder activity more closely than movements among small wallets. Still, accumulation alone does not guarantee further price gains. XRP later broke above the $1.13 resistance level that had limited several rallies since late June. The advance also triggered about $2.93 million in leveraged short liquidations.

The token gained around 3.5% during the day. Among the 50 largest cryptocurrencies, only Ondo and Cardano posted stronger gains during the reported period.

ETF Inflows, Ledger Upgrades Add Support

XRP spot ETFs recorded $5.09 million in net inflows on July 21. They also attracted $2.27 million on July 20 and $6.10 million on July 16. Those inflows followed a brief period of withdrawals earlier in July. ETF demand remains one factor that could influence institutional participation and short-term market liquidity.

Meanwhile, XRP Ledger validators expect to vote on a major upgrade package within the coming weeks. The proposed amendments would add batch transactions and confidential transfers. The package also includes improvements to the network’s Multi-Purpose Token standard. These changes would expand how developers issue and manage different token types on the ledger.

Broader market conditions also supported XRP’s advance. Five-day Bitcoin ETF inflows exceeded $700 million, while gains in Asian artificial intelligence and semiconductor shares strengthened the risk-on environment.

Clarity Act Talks Renew Regulatory Focus

The Clarity Act carries direct implications for XRP because the legislation would classify the token as a digital commodity. This designation could reduce regulatory uncertainty surrounding institutional use.

Senate Democrats have sought an ethics provision that would restrict the president and his family from directly benefiting from cryptocurrency businesses. The provision delayed negotiations for several months. Reports said the White House, Senator Cynthia Lummis, and Senator Bernie Moreno reached an agreement on the issue Sunday. The exact language has not yet emerged.

Democratic support also remains uncertain. The Senate must act before its August recess, leaving lawmakers with a narrow period for further negotiations and a possible vote. Polymarket participants raised the estimated chance of Clarity Act passage to 43%. The figure had recently fallen as low as 32%.

Conclusion

XRP’s rise above $1.15 reflects whale accumulation, renewed spot ETF inflows, planned XRP Ledger upgrades, and improving Clarity Act prospects. Still, broader market conditions and Senate progress remain critical factors to watch.