Over the weekend, large XRP holders made a significant move that caught the market’s attention. According to prominent analyst Ali Martinez (@ali_charts), whales have sold approximately 2.23 billion XRP since Friday, a transaction volume that coincided with the token’s recent price drop.
The accompanying chart from Santiment reveals a sharp decline in whale holdings between 100 million and 1 billion XRP, aligning closely with the asset’s brief fall below $2 for the first time since June.
The timing of this selloff has become a point of interest because it happened just as XRP is once again approaching a critical stage in its development. With ETF applications nearing potential approval dates in the coming weeks, market participants are assessing whether these whales acted prematurely by exiting their positions during what could be a pivotal period for the asset.
2.23 billion $XRP sold by whales since Friday! pic.twitter.com/H9HLAHdm1b
— Ali (@ali_charts) October 14, 2025
Price Recovery and Market Behavior
Martinez’s chart shows a pattern of accumulation earlier in the year that corresponded with XRP’s climb toward its all-time high in July. However, the recent decline in whale balances appears to have amplified selling pressure, contributing to the price dip that saw XRP dip to $1.53.
By Monday, the price had bounced back to roughly $2.58, signaling that some traders may be reentering positions in anticipation of near-term catalysts.
What Could the Whale Sell-off Mean?
Such whale activity often reflects strategic repositioning rather than panicking. In this case, some investors appear to have opted for short-term profit-taking or risk reduction ahead of what could be a volatile few weeks.
The upcoming SEC decisions regarding spot XRP ETFs have made the current period unusually sensitive, as approval of these products could alter demand significantly.
Possible Missed Opportunity for Sellers
If XRP ETFs receive approval within the next two weeks, as many industry observers believe could happen, the recent whale selloff might prove to be a costly misstep. ETF approval would likely signal heightened institutional confidence in XRP, potentially driving both price appreciation and liquidity growth.
Attorney and XRP advocate John Deaton recently hinted that now might be the right moment to accumulate the token. His sentiment aligns with a growing view among XRP supporters that institutional demand and the digital asset’s utility and integration into financial systems could soon witness expanded recognition.
While short-term volatility remains, the coming weeks could be decisive for XRP. The price reaction following whale activity suggests that investor sentiment remains active rather than defeated, with buyers stepping in quickly after selloffs.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent the opinion of the publication. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk.