Software Dev: Why XRP Remains Stagnant Despite Evernorth’s Big Announcement

In financial markets, news alone doesn’t always move the needle. Excitement can spread across social media in minutes, but when institutional capital is involved, the mechanics of deployment are slow, costly, and complex.

This is precisely what’s playing out with Evernorth’s major XRP-related announcement, a development that has fueled optimism but not yet translated into visible price movement. Software developer Vincent Van Code offered a compelling explanation that shines a light on the structural barriers keeping XRP’s price grounded despite growing institutional interest.

Institutional Hurdles: Custody, Compliance, and Cost

Unlike retail investors who can set up a wallet within minutes, large corporations and financial institutions operate in a world defined by compliance, auditability, and governance.

These entities cannot simply install Xaman or create a Ledger wallet and deposit millions of dollars’ worth of XRP. Every move must pass through layers of internal controls, risk assessments, and external audits.

Institutional crypto custody providers such as Anchorage Digital, BitGo, and Fireblocks offer secure solutions, but at a steep price. Maintaining enterprise-level custody with insurance, audit coverage, and compliance checks can easily exceed $300,000 per year, making direct on-chain exposure an expensive and administratively heavy option.

These costs and procedures slow down the flow of large-scale institutional purchases, even when the underlying asset, in this case, XRP, has strong utility and network demand.

The Evernorth Announcement and Market Reaction

Evernorth, a Ripple-affiliated entity focused on structured digital asset investment, recently made waves with its announcement to build large-scale XRP exposure, potentially running into the billions of dollars. The move sparked intense excitement across the XRP community, with many expecting an immediate surge in price.

However, the market remained relatively flat, reflecting a familiar dynamic: institutional announcements often precede months of groundwork before tangible capital flows materialize. Evernorth’s plan, while bullish in intent, is designed for gradual accumulation under tight regulatory oversight, not rapid market buying.

This deliberate approach signals confidence in XRP’s long-term role in cross-border liquidity, but it doesn’t create the short-term speculative frenzy that drives sudden rallies.

Why the XRP Price Hasn’t Moved Yet

XRP’s stagnant price despite bullish headlines isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a reflection of the process. Institutional investors cannot simply “ape in.” They must ensure their holdings meet regulatory reporting standards, pass audit requirements, and satisfy fiduciary obligations to shareholders.

Until full-scale, compliant investment vehicles become widespread, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or publicly traded companies holding XRP, the bulk of institutional demand will remain on the sidelines. The approval of such vehicles could dramatically ease capital inflow, turning what’s now a trickle into a flood.

The Bigger Picture: ETF Hope and Strategic Patience

Vincent Van Code concluded that the most practical route for institutions today is indirect exposure — either through ETFs, investment firms, or corporate stocks with XRP holdings. This structured approach solves the problems of custody, audit, and compliance without requiring companies to handle digital assets directly.

In essence, Evernorth’s announcement represents a foundational shift rather than an immediate price catalyst. The plumbing for large-scale institutional participation is still being built, and when it’s complete, XRP could finally see the kind of revaluation that long-term holders anticipate.

For now, as Vincent Van Code noted, the slow pace isn’t a disappointment; it’s a signal that the institutional era for XRP is approaching, one compliance approval at a time.