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Forty-two new XRP millionaires wallets have emerged in January 2026, marking the first sustained accumulation by large holders since September 2025, even as the token’s price has declined 4% year-to-date.
On-chain data from Santiment shows addresses holding at least 1 million XRP tokens—worth approximately $1.87 million each at current prices—are growing again after falling by 784 wallets between October and December, a reversal that analysts view as a potentially constructive signal for long-term price prospects.
Santiment said that 42 additional XRP millionaires wallets have “returned to the ledger” since Jan. 1, reversing a months-long decline in large-holder addresses.
Analysts often track this metric closely, as sustained accumulation by wealthy investors can indicate growing conviction beneath the surface of a consolidating market.
“XRP’s price is down a modest -4% since the start of 2026, but its amount of ‘millionaire’ wallets are rising for the first time since September,” — Santiment, market update post.
Historically, increases in XRP millionaires wallets have preceded periods of stronger price performance, particularly when accumulation coincides with broader market stabilization.
While such trends do not guarantee future gains, they are often interpreted as a sign that informed investors are positioning ahead of potential catalysts.
Supporting this view, data from Nansen shows that XRP accumulation by so-called “smart money” traders wallets associated with historically strong returns has increased by 11.55% over the past 30 days.
This overlap between rising smart-money exposure and expanding XRP millionaires wallets adds weight to the argument that longer-term investors are gradually rebuilding positions.
Despite the constructive on-chain signals, analysts remain split on XRP’s short-term outlook.
Some traders believe that rising accumulation among large holders could soon translate into upward price momentum, while others warn that macro and regulatory risks may still cap gains.
Crypto trader CW said XRP appears close to breaking through technical resistance after weeks of consolidation.
“Net buying remains strong, and the trend is reversing,” — CW, crypto trader, in an X post.
CW added that a decisive break above the current selling pressure could open the door to a move toward $2.30.
This scenario would likely require continued accumulation by XRP millionaires wallets alongside improving sentiment across the broader crypto market.
Asset manager 21Shares has also highlighted XRP’s historical trading behavior as a potential bullish factor.
The firm recently noted that XRP has exhibited long periods of price compression followed by sharp upward moves, particularly when supported by improving regulatory clarity and institutional participation.
According to 21Shares, this combination could leave the network “primed for continued price appreciation,” especially if demand from large holders continues to build.
Not all market watchers are convinced that rising XRP millionaires wallets will translate into near-term gains.
Some analysts caution that XRP’s price trajectory remains heavily influenced by regulatory narratives, particularly in the United States.
Swyftx lead analyst Pav Hundal has warned that XRP’s upside may be vulnerable if expectations around regulation fail to materialize as anticipated.
“My caution on XRP is that further upside becomes too reliant on narrative,” — Pav Hundal, Lead Analyst, Swyftx.
Hundal pointed specifically to the ongoing debate around the US CLARITY Act, noting that any unexpected developments in the legislative process could weigh on XRP’s price, regardless of accumulation trends.
In such a scenario, even growth in XRP millionaires wallets may not be sufficient to offset broader market hesitation.
Adding to the complexity, overall crypto market conditions remain challenging. Bitcoin continues to dominate trading volumes and investor attention, while many altcoins struggle to attract sustained inflows.
This environment makes it harder for XRP to break out decisively, even as large holders quietly increase exposure.
Taken together, the rise in XRP millionaires wallets points to renewed confidence among deep-pocketed investors, even as short-term risks persist.
On-chain accumulation, smart-money inflows, and historical patterns of compression all support a cautiously constructive long-term outlook.
However, analysts emphasize that accumulation alone is not a catalyst. For XRP to sustain a meaningful rally, improving market liquidity, clearer regulatory signals, and broader risk appetite will likely need to align with the continued growth of XRP millionaires wallets.
For crypto investors, the current trend suggests patience rather than immediacy.
Large holders appear willing to build positions quietly, betting that XRP’s long-term thesis remains intact even if the next decisive move takes time to unfold.
