XRP is trading under persistent pressure as whale activity on Binance reached one of its highest levels this year, with large holders depositing substantial amounts to the exchange throughout early October. The surge in transfers, which peaked on October 11 at nearly 43,000 whale-to-exchange transactions, coincided with a sharp price decline from above $3.00 to approximately $2.30, raising concerns about continued selling pressure as the asset struggles to reclaim key resistance levels.
Key Insights
- •Whale deposits to Binance surged between October 1 and October 17, with the peak on October 11 marking one of the highest inflow levels recorded in 2025.
- •The timing of these large transfers aligned with XRP's price drop from over $3.00 to around $2.30, suggesting coordinated selling by institutional or high-net-worth holders.
- •XRP currently trades below its 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day moving averages, indicating sustained bearish momentum in the short to medium term.
Whale Transfers Indicate a Distribution Phase
Data from CryptoQuant reveals a significant shift in whale behavior that began October 1 and persisted through October 17. According to the Whale-to-Exchange Flow chart for Binance, this period marked one of the most active stretches of large holder movement in 2025.
CryptoOnchain analysis shows the surge reached its apex on October 11, when whale-to-exchange transactions climbed to nearly 43,000. Such spikes typically indicate large holders are preparing to liquidate positions, either to lock in profits or reduce exposure to potential losses. The pattern suggests a distribution phase rather than random market activity.
The correlation between on-chain movement and price action is notable.
As whale deposits accelerated, XRP's value fell sharply from above $3.00 to roughly $2.30. This alignment points to deliberate selling by entities with significant holdings.
Market observers note that heavy whale inflows have historically preceded local price bottoms, as the liquidity generated by selling eventually draws new buyers. For now, though, the data reinforces caution. The asset remains under pressure until outflows begin to exceed inflows, signaling a shift toward accumulation rather than distribution.
Some analysts view these transfers as potential repositioning ahead of future volatility. Whales may be moving assets to exchanges not only to sell but to prepare for rapid deployment when market conditions shift. With on-chain activity elevated and price action compressed, XRP sits at a decision point where the next significant move could establish the trajectory for the remainder of October.
Technical Structure Shows Bearish Signals
XRP trades around $2.42 following a brief bounce from support near $2.30. The recovery attempt suggests buyers are defending this level, but the broader technical picture remains weak.
The asset continues to trade below its 50-day and 100-day moving averages, both of which signal bearish momentum in the short to medium term.
The 200-day moving average, positioned around $2.55, has also capped recent upside attempts.
The $2.60 to $2.70 range now functions as a resistance zone following the steep decline from early October highs near $3.00.
A close above $2.60 could open the path toward $2.90, offering bulls a chance to regain control. However, failure to hold $2.30 would expose the next support level near $2.00, where demand may strengthen. The coming sessions will determine whether XRP can stabilize or if additional downside pressure will drive the price lower.
Understanding Whale Behavior and Exchange Flows
Whale-to-exchange flows measure the movement of large cryptocurrency holdings from private wallets to centralized trading platforms. When whales transfer significant amounts to exchanges like Binance, it often signals intent to sell, as these platforms provide the liquidity needed to execute large orders without excessive slippage.
The metric serves as a leading indicator of market sentiment among high-net-worth holders. Elevated inflows can precede price declines, while increased outflows—assets moving from exchanges back to private storage—typically suggest accumulation and confidence in future price appreciation.
In XRP's case, the sustained surge in exchange deposits through mid-October reflected a clear shift in whale positioning.
Whether these holders were securing profits after previous gains or hedging against further losses, the result was increased supply on exchanges during a period of already weak demand.
Conclusion
XRP faces a critical juncture as it oscillates between potential recovery and additional downside risk. The combination of heavy whale selling, weak technical indicators, and trading below key moving averages suggests the path of least resistance remains downward unless buyers can reclaim $2.60 and reverse the recent distribution pattern.