The Crypto Desk

Ripples Chris Larsen Retains 2.58B XRP: Is Sell Pressure Looming?

Ripples Chris Larsen Retains 2.58B XRP: Is Sell Pressure Looming?

XRP enthusiasts have recently found themselves on high alert as an eyebrow-raising event unfolded in the crypto sphere. In a surprising move, Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen transferred a staggering 50 million XRP to various exchanges. This shift has provoked speculation that it could herald a wave of selling pressure, leading many to question the implications for their investments.

Why does this matter? The transfer comes at a time when XRP had just experienced a remarkable resurgence, climbing to near all-time highs of over $3.60 on July 17. However, this bullish momentum took a nosedive following Larsen’s wallet activity. While some investors viewed the transfer as a routine profit-taking decision, others voiced concerns that it could be a precursor to a larger sell-off, setting the stage for market volatility.

Among those expressing caution is J.A. Maartunn, an analyst from the on-chain data platform CryptoQuant. He recently took to social media to relay a stark warning to XRP holders: “Don’t get dumped on.” With Larsen still holding a colossal 2.58 billion XRP—worth approximately $8.83 billion at current rates—Maartunn raised eyebrows when he suggested that the transfer of $200 million might only be the beginning. His message was clear: traders should safeguard their positions and remain vigilant. These sentiments resonate deeply in a market where fear of substantial insider selling can quickly lead to panic among investors.

As the dust from Larsen’s transfer settled, XRP saw a sharp correction of 13%, now trading around $3.18 according to data from [Cointelegraph Markets Pro](https://cointelegraph.com/) and [TradingView](https://www.tradingview.com/). This dip coincided with worrisome market conditions as Bitcoin briefly dropped to $114,500 after a long-dormant Satoshi-era wallet moved a significant 80,000 BTC for the first time in 14 years. This single transaction triggered over $500 million in liquidations across the crypto market within just one day, as reported by [CoinGlass](https://coinglass.com/).

Investors’ concerns are compounded by the fact that billions in XRP tokens still rest in Larsen’s grasp. As the market braces for possible repercussions, traders are left scrutinizing the landscape for signs of further XRP distributions that could influence the token’s price trajectory. Despite this turmoil, there are some encouraging trends worth noting in the XRP futures market.

Recently, XRP’s perpetual futures open interest has seen a meteoric rise, achieving a record high of $8.8 billion. Open interest refers to the total value of all leveraged positions held by traders, indicative of a robust trading environment. This latest figure correlates to nearly 2.9 billion XRP in open contracts and surpasses the previous record of $8.3 billion set earlier this year. Interestingly, the funding rates across most exchanges for XRP have remained positive and have been climbing, a sign that long positions are willing to pay short sellers to hold their trades—a classic indicator of optimism in the market.

Furthermore, the number of wallets holding at least 1 million XRP tokens has surged to an unprecedented high. Recent data shows that these wallets collectively control over 47.32 billion XRP tokens. Amidst these fluctuations, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has revealed that the company plans to withdraw its cross-appeal against the SEC, a move signaling potential stability and resolution in Ripple’s ongoing legal battles with the regulatory body.

🚀 What does the future hold for XRP? As market dynamics continue to shift, observers are left pondering whether Larsen’s transfer will initiate a broader trend of selling or if the community will rebound and embrace growth. Only time will tell how this situation unfolds, but one thing is certain: XRP investors remain vigilant, ready to navigate the ever-challenging waters of cryptocurrency investment.

As we continue to keep an eye on these developments, it’s essential for crypto enthusiasts to stay informed and adapt to the changing market landscape. What actions will you take to protect your investments as the story of XRP evolves? Engage with us in the comments and share your insights!

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